Methamphetamine acts on subpopulations of neurons regulating sexual behavior in male rats.
Neuroscience
; 166(3): 771-84, 2010 Mar 31.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20045448
ABSTRACT
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly addictive stimulant. Meth abuse is commonly associated with the practice of sexual risk behavior and increased prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Meth users report heightened sexual desire, arousal, and sexual pleasure. The biological basis for this drug-sex nexus is unknown. The current study demonstrates that Meth administration in male rats activates neurons in brain regions of the mesolimbic system that are involved in the regulation of sexual behavior. Specifically, Meth and mating co-activate cells in the nucleus accumbens core and shell, basolateral amygdala, and anterior cingulate cortex. These findings illustrate that in contrast to current belief drugs of abuse can activate the same cells as a natural reinforcer, that is sexual behavior, and in turn may influence compulsive seeking of this natural reward.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Comportamento Sexual Animal
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Estimulantes do Sistema Nervoso Central
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Sistema Límbico
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Metanfetamina
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Neurônios
Tipo de estudo:
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Neuroscience
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article