RGD Reference Report - Brain oxytocin receptors mediate ejaculation elicited by 7-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino) tetralin (7-OH-DPAT) in anaesthetized rats. - Rat Genome Database

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Brain oxytocin receptors mediate ejaculation elicited by 7-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino) tetralin (7-OH-DPAT) in anaesthetized rats.

Authors: Clement, P  Peeters, M  Bernabe, J  Denys, P  Alexandre, L  Giuliano, F 
Citation: Clement P, etal., Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Jul;154(5):1150-9. Epub 2008 May 12.
RGD ID: 2304110
Pubmed: PMID:18469843   (View Abstract at PubMed)
PMCID: PMC2451048   (View Article at PubMed Central)
DOI: DOI:10.1038/bjp.2008.176   (Journal Full-text)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The involvement of the neuropeptide oxytocin in the control of male sexual responses is documented although its exact mechanisms of action, and especially the site(s) of action, are not fully delineated. In order to clarify this issue, we tested the effects of a peptide oxytocin antagonist delivered through different routes on sexual responses elicited, in anaesthetized male rats, by i.c.v. 7-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino) tetralin (7-OH-DPAT), a dopamine agonist, preferentially active on D3 receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Seminal vesicle pressure (SVP) and bulbospongiosus muscle (BS) electromyograms were recorded as physiological markers of emission and expulsion phases of ejaculation respectively and intracavernosal pressure (ICP) was monitored as a physiological marker of erection. KEY RESULTS: When injected i.v., the oxytocin antagonist did not impair 7-OH-DPAT-induced SVP and ICP responses while BS burst frequency was diminished. When delivered i.c.v., the oxytocin antagonist dose-dependently inhibited occurrence of 7-OH-DPAT-induced sexual responses. When delivered intrathecally (i.t.) at the level of the 6th lumbar (L6) segment, but not the 13th thoracic (T13) segment, the oxytocin antagonist reduced the duration of BS responses and the occurrence of ejaculation without impairing ICP responses. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Brain oxytocin receptors mediate male sexual responses elicited by i.c.v. 7-OH-DPAT in anaesthetized rats whereas L6 spinal oxytocin receptors only impair the occurrence of ejaculation. Peripheral oxytocin receptors are marginally involved in 7-OH-DPAT-induced sexual responses. These findings should be considered for the development of potential pharmacological treatment of premature ejaculation in man.



Gene Ontology Annotations    Click to see Annotation Detail View

Biological Process

  
Object SymbolSpeciesTermQualifierEvidenceWithNotesSourceOriginal Reference(s)
OxtrRatpositive regulation of penile erection  IMP  RGD 
OxtrRatsperm ejaculation  IMP  RGD 

Objects Annotated

Genes (Rattus norvegicus)
Oxtr  (oxytocin receptor)


Additional Information