Pathways of sexual desire
JG Pfaus - The journal of sexual medicine, 2009 - academic.oup.com
The journal of sexual medicine, 2009•academic.oup.com
Introduction Sexual desire is controlled by brain systems involved in sexual excitation and
inhibition. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) may result from hypofunctional
excitation, hyperfunctional inhibition, or some mix of the two. Aim This study aimed to identify
neurochemical and neuroanatomical systems involved in sexual excitation and inhibition,
their role during normal, and hypoactive sexual expressions. Methods A comprehensive
review of the human and animal literature is made, and a theory surrounding the ways that …
inhibition. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) may result from hypofunctional
excitation, hyperfunctional inhibition, or some mix of the two. Aim This study aimed to identify
neurochemical and neuroanatomical systems involved in sexual excitation and inhibition,
their role during normal, and hypoactive sexual expressions. Methods A comprehensive
review of the human and animal literature is made, and a theory surrounding the ways that …
Introduction
Sexual desire is controlled by brain systems involved in sexual excitation and inhibition. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) may result from hypofunctional excitation, hyperfunctional inhibition, or some mix of the two.
Aim
This study aimed to identify neurochemical and neuroanatomical systems involved in sexual excitation and inhibition, their role during normal, and hypoactive sexual expressions.
Methods
A comprehensive review of the human and animal literature is made, and a theory surrounding the ways that HSDD can be manifested and treated is presented.
Main Outcome Measures
Drug effects and neural systems derived largely from rat studies that are involved in the stimulation of sexual desire (excitatory system) vs. the stimulation of sexual reward, sedation, and satiety (inhibitory system).
Results
Brain dopamine systems (incertohypothalamic and mesolimbic) that link the hypothalamus and limbic system appear to form the core of the excitatory system. This system also includes melanocortins, oxytocin, and norepinephrine. Brain opioid, endocannabinoid, and serotonin systems are activated during periods of sexual inhibition, and blunt the ability of excitatory systems to be activated.
Conclusions
Drugs that stimulate the activation of hypothalamic dopamine or that blunt endocannabinoid or serotonin release and/or postsynaptic binding may be effective in stimulating sexual desire in animals and humans. The characterization of how those drugs work will help generate a rational approach to drug development in the treatment of HSDD.
Oxford University Press