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Hypothalmic digoxin, cerebral dominance, and sexual orientation
Archives of Andrology
|September 17, 2002
Summary
Hypothalamic digoxin, a Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibitor, may regulate sexual orientation. Its levels correlate with sexual behavior and hemispheric dominance, potentially linking to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Human Sexuality
Background:
- The hypothalamus produces endogenous digoxin, a membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibitor.
- Inhibition of Na(+)-K(+) ATPase increases intracellular calcium and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hypothalamic digoxin in regulating sexual orientation.
- To explore the biochemical differences associated with sexual orientation and hemispheric dominance.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical analysis of digoxin, Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity, nitric oxide, tryptophan catabolites, and tyrosine catabolites.
- Correlation of biochemical patterns with sexual orientation and hemispheric chemical dominance.
Main Results:
- Increased digoxin synthesis, reduced Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity, elevated NO, increased tryptophan catabolites, and reduced tyrosine catabolites were observed in homosexuals, promiscuous heterosexuals, and bisexuals, correlating with right hemispheric dominance.
- Non-promiscuous heterosexuals and those with left hemispheric dominance exhibited hypodigoxinemia and reversed biochemical patterns.
Conclusions:
- Hypothalamic digoxin levels and hemispheric dominance may play a role in regulating sexual orientation.
- The observed patterns warrant consideration in the context of hyperdigoxinemia in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).