Female gonadal hormones, serotonin, and sexual receptivity

The inhibitory and facilitatory effect of serotonergic (5-HT) receptor agonists and antagonists on the female rat lordosis reflex is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the role of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptors. The effect of estrogen and progesterone on the lordosis response to 5-HT receptor-selective compounds is reviewed and potential mechanisms for hormonal modulation of the 5-HT system are suggested. Evidence that 5-HT modifies the female's position relative to a threshold for lordosis is presented. Finally, it is hypothesized that 5-HT's dual regulation of lordosis contributes to the female's ability to regulate mating behavior so that it occurs under physiological and environmental conditions that are conducive for individual, as well as species, survival.