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Opioids and sexual reward.

R G Paredes1

  • 1Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico.

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|November 19, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Opioids mediate sexual reward in both males and females, with evidence suggesting their release during sexual behavior. The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is crucial for this opioid-mediated sexual reward.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Science
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Sexual reward is a fundamental aspect of reproduction and social bonding.
  • Opioid systems are known to play a role in various reward pathways in the brain.
  • Previous research suggests a link between opioids and sexual behavior, but direct evidence is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current evidence on the role of opioids in mediating sexual reward.
  • To explore the involvement of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) in opioid-mediated sexual reward.
  • To discuss the potential of opioids as a common mechanism for intrinsically rewarding natural behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on sexual reward in humans and rodents.
Keywords:
Conditioned place preferenceMotivationNaloxoneRewardSexual behavior

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  • Analysis of indirect evidence for opioid release during sexual behavior.
  • Examination of studies using conditioned place preference (CPP) to assess opioid effects on sexual reward.
  • Investigation of the role of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) in sexual reward.

    • Main Results:

    • Substantial indirect evidence indicates opioid release during sexual behavior in both humans and animals.
    • Opioid administration can influence reward associated with sexual behavior, as shown by CPP studies.
    • The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is identified as a critical brain region for opioid-mediated sexual reward in both sexes.

    Conclusions:

    • Opioids are strongly implicated in mediating sexual reward.
    • The MPOA plays a key role in the expression of opioid-mediated sexual reward.
    • Opioids may represent a common neurobiological substrate for the rewarding properties of various natural behaviors.