Stimulation of the medial amygdala enhances medial preoptic dopamine release: implications for male rat sexual behavior

Brain Res. 2001 Nov 2;917(2):225-9. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(01)03031-1.

Abstract

Increased dopamine (DA) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) facilitates male sexual behavior. A major source of innervation to the MPOA is the medial amygdala (MeA). We now report that chemical stimulation of the MeA enhanced levels of extracellular MPOA DA in anesthetized male rats. These results suggest that DA activity in the MPOA can be regulated by input from the MeA to the MPOA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amygdala / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Preoptic Area / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Stimulation, Chemical

Substances

  • Dopamine