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