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Related Experiment Videos

Circulating neuroactive C21- and C19-steroids in young men before and after ejaculation.

L Stárka1, M Hill, H Havlíková

  • 1Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic. lstarka@endo.cz

Physiological Research
|October 22, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Levels of most neuroactive steroids, including allopregnanolone, did not change after ejaculation in young men. Only 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone levels significantly increased, challenging theories linking steroid drops to orgasm.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Steroid Biochemistry

Background:

  • Neuroactive steroids like allopregnanolone are hypothesized to play a role in sexual function and orgasm.
  • Previous research suggested a decrease in neuroactive steroid levels might trigger orgasm-related hormonal changes, such as oxytocin release.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changes in circulating levels of various neuroactive steroids and androgen precursors in young men before and after ejaculation.
  • To test the hypothesis that a decrease in neuroactive steroids, such as allopregnanolone, may be linked to orgasm and subsequent hormonal responses.

Main Methods:

  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to measure twelve specific neuroactive and neuroprotective steroids.
  • Blood samples were collected from young men before and after masturbation-induced ejaculation.

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Main Results:

  • A significant increase in the circulating level of 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone was observed post-ejaculation.
  • Levels of other measured steroids, including androgens, androgen precursors, and neuroactive steroids like allopregnanolone, remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

  • The findings do not support the hypothesis that a drop in neuroactive steroid levels, specifically allopregnanolone, is responsible for orgasm-related physiological changes.
  • The significant increase in 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone warrants further investigation into its potential role during male sexual activity.