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Psychopharmacology (2010) 212:93104 DOI 10.1007/s00213-010-1930-8
ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION
Effects of methamphetamine on sexual performance and compulsive sex behavior in male rats
Karla S. Frohmader & Katherine L. Bateman &
Michael N. Lehman & Lique M. Coolen
Received: 7 February 2010 /Accepted: 20 June 2010 /Published online: 10 July 2010 # Springer-Verlag 2010
AbstractRationale Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly addictive psychostimulant associated with enhanced sexual desire, arousal, and sexual pleasure. Moreover, Meth abuse is frequently linked with the practice of sexual risk behavior and increased prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus. Currently, there is a lack of studies investigating the effects of Meth on maladaptive sexual behavior under controlled experimental settings in animal studies. Objective The overall objective of the current study was to examine the effects of Meth on various aspects of male sexual behavior including maladaptive sex-seeking behavior. Methods First, a doseresponse curve of the effects of Meth (0, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg; s.c.) on sexual motivation and performance was conducted in sexually nave and experienced male rats. Next, the effects of Meth (1 mg/kg; s.c.) on inhibition of maladaptive sexual behavior was tested using a sex aversion conditioning paradigm, in which visceral illness induced by lithium chloride (LiCl) was paired with sexual behavior.
Results Meth administration inhibited sexual performance in a dose-dependent matter as evidenced by the decreased percentages of males that mated and increased latencies to
initiate sexual behavior when injected with 2 or 4 mg/kg Meth. Moreover, an acute dose of Meth prior to or following sex aversion conditioning resulted in disrupted conditioned inhibition of sexual behavior.
Conclusions These data suggest that Meth administration in male rats impairs sexual motivation and performance. In addition, low doses of Meth that do not disrupt sexual function may result in maladaptive seeking of sexual behavior.
Keywords Substance abuse . Psychostimulant . Methamphetamine . Compulsive behavior . Reproductive behavior . Sexual risk behavior . Impulse control
AbbreviationsCPP Conditioned place preference E EjaculationEL Ejaculation latencyIL Intromission latencyIM IntromissionLiCl Lithium chlorideLAC Locomotor activity chamber M MountMeth MethamphetamineML Mount latencymPFC Medial prefrontal cortex
Introduction
It is well recognized that psychostimulants, opiates, and alcohol impact sexual function, performance, and arousal in both men and women (Frohmader et al. 2010a; Peugh and Belenko 2001; Pfaus 2009; Rawson et al. 2002). The