Assessment of sexual behavior in rats: The potentials and pitfalls

Roy Heijkoop; Patty T Huijgens; Eelke M S Snoeren

doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.029

Assessment of sexual behavior in rats: The potentials and pitfalls

Behav Brain Res. 2018 Oct 15:352:70-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.029. Epub 2017 Oct 27.

Authors

Roy Heijkoop¹, Patty T Huijgens², Eelke M S Snoeren³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Huginbakken 32, 9037 Tromso, Norway. Electronic address: roy.heijkoop@uit.no.
² Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Huginbakken 32, 9037 Tromso, Norway. Electronic address: patty.t.huijgens@uit.no.
³ Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Huginbakken 32, 9037 Tromso, Norway. Electronic address: eelke.snoeren@uit.no.

PMID: 29111441
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.029

Abstract

In the field of behavioral neuroscience, it is essential to use the appropriate animal models for the topic of investigation. Using the wrong model can result in false interpretation of the results. In this review we will discuss the animal models used to study sexual behavior, with a focus on rats. We will discuss the potentials and pitfalls of the different paradigms and try to make recommendations on how research in this field could be optimized. Both male and female sexual behavior are discussed, in addition to sexual motivation.

Keywords: Behavioral paradigm; Female; Incentive motivation; Male; Rat; Sexual behavior.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Models, Animal*
Psychological Tests
Rats* / psychology
Sexual Behavior, Animal*