Abstract
We tested the significance of a population of lumbar spinothalamic cells for male sexual behavior in rats. These cells are positioned to relay ejaculation-related signals from reproductive organs to the brain, and they express neurokinin-1 receptors. Ablation of these neurons by the selective toxin SSP-saporin resulted in a complete disruption of ejaculatory behavior. In contrast, other components of sexual behavior remained intact. These results suggest that this population of spinothalamic cells plays a pivotal role in generation of ejaculatory behavior and may be part of a spinal ejaculation generator.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Ejaculation / physiology*
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Female
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Immunoenzyme Techniques
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Lumbosacral Region
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Male
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Neural Conduction
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neurons / metabolism
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Neurons / physiology*
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / biosynthesis
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacology
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Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 1
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Saporins
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Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
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Spinal Cord / anatomy & histology
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Spinal Cord / cytology
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Spinal Cord / physiology*
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Thalamus / cytology
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Thalamus / physiology*
Substances
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Receptors, Neurokinin-1
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 1
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SSP-SAP fusion protein, recombinant
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Saporins