Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior · Mar 1980

Facilitation of copulatory performance in male rats by naloxone: effects of hypophysectomy, 17 alpha-estradiol, and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone

By Myers BM, Baum MJ

Three experiments were performed to explore the mechanism whereby systemic administration of the opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone hydrochloride (20 mg/kg) causes reductions in the frequency of intromissions preceding ejaculation and latency to ejaculation in sexually experienced male rats. Administration of naloxone to male rats which were hypophysectomized in addition to being castrated and implanted SC with 30 mm silastic capsules containing testosterone caused such behavioral changes, suggesting that these behavioral effects of naloxone do not result from interference with the binding of endophin of pituitary origin. Surprisingly, a significant facilitatory effect of naloxone on sexual performance was absent in castrated controls bearing 30 mm testosterone implants. Recent evidence suggests that 17 alpha-hydroxylated estrogens, which may be produced in gonadally intact males, possess appreciable affinity for opioid receptors. However, daily administration of 17 alpha-estradiol (50 micrograms) to castrated, testosterone-implanted males failed to make them as behaviorally responsive to naloxone as gonadally intact animals. Administration of LHRH (1 microgram given SC 1.5 hr prior to testing) caused a significant reduction in ejaculation latency in gonadally intact males but not in castrated males bearing 30 mm testosterone implants. It is suggested that the facilitatory effect of naloxone on masculine sexual performance results, in part, from a drug-induced release of LHRH.

doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(80)90038-6PubMed 6994127Mechanisms