Cited by 49Sexual function and dysfunction studiesNeuroendocrine regulation and behaviorHypothalamic control of reproductive hormones

Serial neurochemical measurement of cerebrospinal fluid during the human sexual response cycle

Krüger, Tillmann H. C., Schiffer, Boris, Eikermann, Matthias, Haake, Philip, Gizewski, Elke, Schedlowski, Manfred·2006·European Journal of Neuroscience

Abstract

Recent studies examining the neuroendocrine response pattern underlying the human sexual response cycle revealed transient activation of the sympathoadrenal system and a substantial, long-lasting increase in plasma prolactin concentrations following orgasm in men and women. Prolactin has been discussed as being part of a feedback mechanism that signals centers in the central nervous system, such as the dopaminergic system controlling sexual arousal. To further elucidate the central role of neuropeptides, biogenic monoamines and neurotransmitters in human sexual behavior, a serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-sampling technique was implemented using a previously established experimental paradigm for sexual activity in a laboratory setting. In parallel with peripheral endocrine measures, lumbar CSF was drawn via an indwelling spinal catheter during the sexual response cycle in 10 healthy males and 10 age-matched controls, and analysed for prolactin, oxytocin, biogenic monoamines and/or their metabolites as well as inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter concentrations. Parallel to raised peripheral sympathetic activity, norepinephrine also increased in CSF during audiovisual, masturbation-induced sexual arousal and orgasm, and remained elevated for the remainder of the session (F(4,72) = 8.79, P = 0.000). In contrast, none of the other measures, in particular prolactin and dopamine or its metabolites, reflected significant alteration. In conclusion, the human sexual response cycle is characterized by an increase in sympathetic activity in plasma and CSF, and by pronounced secretion of plasma prolactin after orgasm. However, alterations in dopaminergic or peptidergic activity are not found in lumbar CSF, possibly due to local and restricted release in diencephalic and mesencephalic brain regions.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05215.x

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  • CSF oxytocin remains unchanged throughout the sexual response cycle.

    “Kruger et al. found no changes in CSF at any stage of the sexual response cycle (95).”

    From Intranasal Oxytocin: Myths and Delusions (2016) · cites this paper as [95]

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Authors
Krüger, T. H. C., Schiffer, B., Eikermann, M., Haake, P., Gizewski, E., & Schedlowski, M.
Affiliations
  • ETH Zurich (CH)
  • Essen University Hospital (DE)
Corresponding author
Krüger, Tillmann H. C.
Venue
European Journal of Neuroscience
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2006-12
Volume
24
Issue
12
Pages
3445-3452
ISSN
  • 0953-816X (ISSN-L)
  • 1460-9568
OpenAlex
W2073879864
Cited by
49
References
46
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 2
FWCI
2.76
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • European Journal of Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
Keywords
cerebrospinal fluid, prolactin, norepinephrine, sympathetic nervous system, orgasm, dopamine, oxytocin, biogenic monoamines, neurotransmitters, sexual arousal, masturbation, neuroendocrine response
MeSH terms
Adult, Analysis of Variance, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Humans, Male, Neurochemistry, Neuropeptides, Neurosecretory Systems, Oxytocin, Prolactin, Surveys and Questionnaires, Sexual Behavior, Spinal Puncture, Biogenic Monoamines, Case-Control Studies, Neurotransmitter Agents

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