Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Neuropeptides and sexual behaviour.

A Argiolas1

  • 1Bernard B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience and Centre for Neuropharmacology, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy. argiolas@unica.it

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|January 22, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Neuropeptides significantly influence sexual behavior across species. While most facilitate sexual activity, opioid peptides inhibit it, and others like gonadotropin-releasing hormone have varied effects, requiring further research into their precise mechanisms.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Neuromodulation of penile erection: an overview of the role of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.

Progress in neurobiology·2015
Same author

Orientational Coherent Effects of High-Energy Particles in a LiNbO3 Crystal.

Physical review letters·2015
Same author

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the paraventricular nucleus and central control of penile erection: immunocytochemistry, autoradiography and behavioral studies.

Neuroscience·2007
Same author

Vasopressin excitatory action on smooth muscle from human renal calyx and pelvis.

Pharmacological research·2004
Same author

The neurophysiology of the sexual cycle.

Journal of endocrinological investigation·2003
Same author

Central oxytocinergic neurotransmission: a drug target for the therapy of psychogenic erectile dysfunction.

Current drug targets·2003

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Central neuropeptides play a crucial role in regulating sexual behavior.
  • Key neuropeptides studied include adrenocorticotropin, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, oxytocin, and opioid peptides.
  • Other neuropeptides like GnRH, CRF, NPY, galanin, CCK, SP, and VIP may also be involved.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing neuropharmacological, biochemical, and psychobiological studies on neuropeptide control of sexual behavior.
  • To synthesize current knowledge on the facilitatory or inhibitory roles of various neuropeptides.
  • To identify gaps in understanding and highlight future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of neuropharmacological, biochemical, and psychobiological literature.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of studies involving systemic, intracerebroventricular, or intracerebral administration of neuropeptides or receptor modulators in animal models (primarily rats).
  • Examination of effects on sexual behavior, including anticipatory and consummatory phases.

    • Main Results:

    • Most studied neuropeptides (ACTH, α-MSH, oxytocin) facilitate sexual behavior, while opioid peptides inhibit it across species.
    • CRF, NPY, and CCK appear to inhibit sexual behavior; SP and VIP facilitate it.
    • GnRH and galanin exhibit variable effects (facilitatory, inhibitory, or none) on sexual behavior.
    • Mechanisms of action and specific influence on arousal/motivation versus performance remain largely unclear for most neuropeptides.

    Conclusions:

    • Neuropeptides are critical modulators of sexual behavior, with diverse roles.
    • Opioid peptides uniquely inhibit sexual performance.
    • Further research using advanced molecular and genetic techniques is needed to elucidate neuropeptide mechanisms in sexual behavior control.