Doramectin reduces sexual behavior and penile erection in male rats

Doramectin (DOR) is an antiparasitic drug that is widely used in domestic animals. In mammals, DOR acts as a γ-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist. This neurotransmitter plays an important role in the regulation of sexual behavior. The present study investigated the effects of two medically relevant doses of DOR on sexual behavior in male rats. We also examined whether previous sexual experience modulates responses to DOR. General activity was first observed in an open field 24, 48, and 72 h after administration of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg DOR to determine the dose and time effects of the drug. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and sexual behavior in inexperienced male rats were then analyzed. The effects of previous sexual experience on subsequent sexual behavior in DOR-treated rats (0.3 mg/kg, 24 h prior to the test) were also assessed. The standard therapeutic dose (0.2 mg/kg) did not modify general activity or penile erection. A slightly concentrated dose of 0.3 mg/kg, which is still within the therapeutic range, decreased apomorphine-induced penile erection, whereas 0.2 mg/kg did not modify this behavior. Compared with controls, sexual behavior in inexperienced male rats was impaired after 0.3 mg/kg DOR. Previous sexual experience had little impact on the effects of 0.3 mg/kg DOR. In conclusion, the 0.2 mg/kg dose of DOR did not affect motor behavior or apomorphine-induced penile erection. At a more slightly higher dose level, the appetitive and consummatory phases of sexual behavior in inexperienced male rats were impaired. Previous sexual experience was unable to reverse this sexual impairment, suggesting that previous sexual experience does not exert a positive effect in attenuating sexual impairment produced by DOR treatment.