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Search Results (28)

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Keywords = sexual reward

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12 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
Sexual Reward in an Intimate Relationship
by Wafaa Sowan, Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan, Shelly Engdau, Ronit Dror, Sabaa Masarwe and Zeev Wivstok
Sexes 2025, 6(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6030033 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined the association between three sexual motivations—rewarding, intimacy, and enhancement—and their relationship to sexual and relationship satisfaction. A novel conceptualization of sexual reward was introduced and tested. Methods: The sample included 675 individuals in steady intimate relationships (12+ months). Participants [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study examined the association between three sexual motivations—rewarding, intimacy, and enhancement—and their relationship to sexual and relationship satisfaction. A novel conceptualization of sexual reward was introduced and tested. Methods: The sample included 675 individuals in steady intimate relationships (12+ months). Participants completed measures assessing sexual motives and satisfaction levels. A newly developed scale for sexual reward motivation was validated. Findings: The rewarding motive was present among many participants, with approximately 10% reporting frequent use. Rewarding was negatively associated with both relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. It also showed a negative correlation with enhancement motivation and no significant correlation with intimacy motivation. Conclusions: While occasional sexual reward may not impact relationship dynamics, frequent use of this motive appears to undermine both sexual and relational well-being. The findings suggest that sexual reward is a distinct and measurable motivation with potential implications for couple dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Relationship Guidance, Mindfulness, and Couple Well-Being)
17 pages, 3324 KiB  
Article
Kisspeptin Administration and mRNA Expression in Adult Syrian Hamsters
by Megan A. L. Hall, Peyton L. Reeder, Johnathan M. Borland and Robert L. Meisel
Cells 2025, 14(13), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14130992 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 434
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) and kisspeptin 1 receptor (Kiss1R) are vital in regulating various functions across many species, primarily those relating to reproduction. The kisspeptin system has recently attracted clinical interest as a potential therapeutic treatment for patients with hypoactive sexual [...] Read more.
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) and kisspeptin 1 receptor (Kiss1R) are vital in regulating various functions across many species, primarily those relating to reproduction. The kisspeptin system has recently attracted clinical interest as a potential therapeutic treatment for patients with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This study maps the distribution of Kiss1 and Kiss1R mRNA in the Syrian hamster forebrain using dual-labeled RNAscope. In our study, the distributions of kisspeptin and its receptor were mapped across adult males and females on day 1 or day 2 of their estrous cycle. Conditioned place preference was used to observe the potential effect of kisspeptin on sexual reward in female hamsters. The expression of kisspeptin was greater in females than males, with the estrous cycle having no effect on expression. A comparison of these findings to those in other species revealed that the expression in Syrian hamsters was similar to that reported for other species, demonstrating the conservation of expression. Kisspeptin did not influence sexual reward in females, nor did it affect measures of their primary sexual behavior. These findings provide additional insights into the expression and function of kisspeptin across novel species and add to ongoing research in understanding how kisspeptin may influence sexual desire in animals, including humans. Full article
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26 pages, 6587 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Profile Analysis of Brain Tissue in the Absence of Functional TRPM8 Calcium Channel
by Erick B. Saldes, Alexandra Erdmier, Jai Velpula, Timothy E. Koeltzow, Michael X. Zhu and Swapna Asuthkar
Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010075 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2171
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a non-selective, Ca2+-permeable cation channel involved in thermoregulation and other physiological processes, such as basal tear secretion, cell differentiation, and insulin homeostasis. The activation and deactivation of TRPM8 occur through genetic modifications, channel [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a non-selective, Ca2+-permeable cation channel involved in thermoregulation and other physiological processes, such as basal tear secretion, cell differentiation, and insulin homeostasis. The activation and deactivation of TRPM8 occur through genetic modifications, channel interactions, and signaling cascades. Recent evidence suggests a significant role of TRPM8 in the hypothalamus and amygdala related to pain sensation and sexual behavior. Notably, TRPM8 has been implicated in neuropathic pain, migraines, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Our laboratory has identified testosterone as a high-affinity ligand of TRPM8. TRPM8 deficiency appears to influence behavioral traits in mice, like increased aggression and deficits in sexual satiety. Here, we aim to explore the pathways altered in brain tissues of TRPM8-deficient mice using the expression and methylation profiles of messenger RNA (mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Specifically, we focused on brain regions integral to behavioral and hormonal control, including the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, amygdala, and insula. Methods: RNA was isolated and purified for microarray analysis collected from male wild-type and TRPM8 knockout mice. Results: We identified various differentially expressed genes tied to multiple signaling pathways. Among them, the androgen–estrogen receptor (AR-ER) pathway, steroidogenesis pathway, sexual reward pathway, and cocaine reward pathway are particularly worth noting. Conclusions: These results should bridge the existing gaps in the knowledge regarding TRPM8 and inform potential targets for future studies to elucidate its role in the behavior changes and pathology of the diseases associated with TRPM8 activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Pathology)
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14 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Friday Night Live Mentoring Program on Supporting Positive Youth Development Outcomes
by Kathleen P. Tebb and Ketan Tamirisa
Healthcare 2024, 12(21), 2199; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12212199 - 4 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1417
Abstract
Introduction: The use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among adolescents. While traditional interventions have targeted specific health-risk behaviors (e.g., substance use, initiation of sexual intercourse, truancy, etc.), the evidence suggests that using [...] Read more.
Introduction: The use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among adolescents. While traditional interventions have targeted specific health-risk behaviors (e.g., substance use, initiation of sexual intercourse, truancy, etc.), the evidence suggests that using a positive youth development (PYD) framework may have positive impacts across a number of domains. Friday Night Live Mentoring (FNLM) is a PYD-based, cross-age peer mentoring program that engages teams of older high school-aged youth to mentor teams of middle school-aged youth in a structured, ongoing, one-on-one relationship. While studies have demonstrated significant but small effect sizes of intergenerational youth mentoring programs in which an adult mentor is paired with the youth mentee, research on cross-age mentoring programs is limited. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate FNLM on its ability to improve participants’ knowledge, attitudes, skills, opportunities to develop caring relationships, school engagement, and academic performance. Methods: A retrospective, pre–post survey was administered online to FNLM participants across 13 California counties. Participants rated their knowledge and attitudes about ATOD, skills, relationships with peers and adults, and academic indicators. Open-ended questions gathered information about participants’ experiences in FNLM. Non-parametric related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests (an alternative to paired t-test) were used to compare pre–post differences. Participants were also asked two open-ended questions: “What are the best parts of FNLM?” and “What, if anything, would you change?”. The responses to each question were reviewed, coded, and analyzed according to key themes. Results: A total of 512 participants completed the survey (287 mentors and 225 protégés). There were small but statistically significant improvements across all items for both mentors and protégés. Qualitative analyses showed that most mentors and protégés especially enjoyed getting to know and spend time with one another. Several mentors added that it was rewarding to be a positive influence on or to make a positive difference in the protégé’s life. Many youth stated that the relationships formed, especially with their partner, and the activities were the best part of FNLM. The overwhelming majority would not change anything about the program. Those who provided recommendations for program improvement suggested more activities or more hands-on and engaging activities and more or longer meetings. Conclusion: FNLM actively engages youth and provides them with support and opportunities that promote knowledge, skill development, positive relationships, academic engagement, and success and raise awareness of the harms that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) can cause. While ATOD use was low prior to program participation, it was significantly lower after participating in the program. Full article
19 pages, 369 KiB  
Review
Interactions of Oxytocin and Dopamine—Effects on Behavior in Health and Disease
by Maria Petersson and Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112440 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 12449
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide and hormone oxytocin are of fundamental importance for maternal, social, and sexual behavior. Deviations in oxytocin levels have also been associated with anxiety, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and schizophrenia. Both oxytocin and dopamine are [...] Read more.
The hypothalamic neuropeptide and hormone oxytocin are of fundamental importance for maternal, social, and sexual behavior. Deviations in oxytocin levels have also been associated with anxiety, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and schizophrenia. Both oxytocin and dopamine are often considered reward- and feel-good hormones, and dopamine is associated with the above-mentioned behaviors and, and dopamine is also associated with the above-mentioned behaviors and disorders. Although being structurally totally different, oxytocin, a peptide, and dopamine, a monoamine, they have a number of similar effects. They are synthesized both in the brain and in the periphery, and they affect each other’s release and receptors. In addition, oxytocin and dopamine are released in response to, for example, social interaction, sex, feeding, and massage. This review discusses interactions between oxytocin and dopamine with a specific focus on behavioral effects and possible roles of oxytocin and dopamine in various mental disorders and functional diversities. Full article
21 pages, 1465 KiB  
Article
Talk about It, Don’t Type about It: How In-Person and Technology-Mediated Sexual Self-Disclosure Relate to Sexual Satisfaction
by Morgan Joseph, Lucas Walters, Marilyn Ashley and Krystelle Shaughnessy
Sexes 2024, 5(3), 235-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030018 - 30 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2117
Abstract
Sexual self-disclosure (SSD) is when a person shares information about their sexuality with another person. Technology-mediated communication is pervasive in modern society, yet researchers have not distinguished between SSDs that occur in-person versus in technology-mediated contexts. Using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual [...] Read more.
Sexual self-disclosure (SSD) is when a person shares information about their sexuality with another person. Technology-mediated communication is pervasive in modern society, yet researchers have not distinguished between SSDs that occur in-person versus in technology-mediated contexts. Using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction, researchers previously found that SSD predicts sexual rewards, costs, and satisfaction. In this study, we (1) compared cisgender/transgender men’s and women’s frequency (how much) and breadth (how many topics) of SSD via typed technology and in-person (H1, H2), and (2) examined the extent to which the frequency and breadth of SSD in each context predicted perceived sexual rewards, comparison of sexual rewards, and in turn sexual satisfaction while controlling for relationship satisfaction (H3, H4, H5, H6). Undergraduate students (N = 450) completed an online survey that assessed SSD in each context, perceived sexual rewards and costs, comparison of own and partner’s sexual rewards and costs, and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Participants reported more frequent and greater breadth of SSD in-person than via technology. We also found that women disclosed more sexual topics than men in-person but not through typed technology. Using path analyses, a greater frequency of SSD in-person predicted greater perceived sexual rewards and comparison sexual rewards, and in turn, greater sexual satisfaction. The frequency of SSD via typed technology and the SSD breadth in either context did not predict exchanges or sexual satisfaction. Full article
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19 pages, 351 KiB  
Review
Revisiting the Claims of Past Medical Innocence and Good Intentions
by Janik Bastien Charlebois
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(6), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13060279 - 22 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1670
Abstract
Medical professionals usually reject critiques of deferrable treatments that alter the sex characteristics of infants and children without personal informed consent on the grounds that intersex adults’ experiences reflect ‘obsolete’ practice. However, past practice is also protected from criticism by claiming ‘good intentions’, [...] Read more.
Medical professionals usually reject critiques of deferrable treatments that alter the sex characteristics of infants and children without personal informed consent on the grounds that intersex adults’ experiences reflect ‘obsolete’ practice. However, past practice is also protected from criticism by claiming ‘good intentions’, a commitment to the child’s best interest and context-dictated constraints on medical practice. I first examine foundational literature of the Optimal Gender Policy to verify the presence of statements of interests or motives, I then collect affect displays to identify motives, and I observe attitudes to clitoridectomy. Affect displays point to motives that are relevant in interpretive sociology, as they allow access to cultural or institutional dispositions when justification talk has not been provided. While a statement of interest is absent from the foundational literature, I identify the following affect displays: (1) unease and disgust; (2) attachment to heteronormativity, as well as three kinds of gratification or pleasure rewards; (3) power pleasure; (4) surgical pleasure; (5) and cosmetic pleasure. As surgical action appeases some of these affects and nourish others, previous medical professionals had interests that were their own and not centred on the children. Examination of attitudes to clitoridectomy reveals that clinicians were aware of the (phallo)clitoris’ importance to sexual pleasure but dismissed it, further invalidating claims that past practice was based on children’s best interest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Centring Intersex: Global and Local Dimensions)
15 pages, 983 KiB  
Article
The Empire of Affectivity: Qualitative Evidence of the Subjective Orgasm Experience
by Pablo Mangas, Mateus Egilson da Silva Alves, Ludgleydson Fernandes de Araújo and Juan Carlos Sierra
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030171 - 23 Feb 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2956
Abstract
The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to its perception and/or assessment from a psychological viewpoint. Few works have approached this construct from a qualitative perspective and have never taken a consolidated theoretical model as a reference. This study aims to provide qualitative validity [...] Read more.
The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to its perception and/or assessment from a psychological viewpoint. Few works have approached this construct from a qualitative perspective and have never taken a consolidated theoretical model as a reference. This study aims to provide qualitative validity evidence to the Multidimensional Model of Subjective Orgasmic Experience, derived from the Orgasm Rating Scale (ORS), to qualitatively address SOE in the contexts of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation, analyzing the terms self-generated by individuals and examining the coincidence with the semantic descriptions of orgasm proposed by the ORS. Four hundred Spanish adults aged 18 to 64 years participated. The Technique of Free Association of Words was applied, and prototypical, frequency, and similitude analyses were performed. A similar description was observed concerning the terms generated in both contexts, with a higher frequency and intensity in the context of sexual relationships. In the context of solitary masturbation, negative orgasmic descriptions were evoked. Participants were able to elicit the vast majority of ORS adjectives, with Affective being the most notable dimension, followed closely by Rewards, especially in masturbation. Most of the adjectives were evoked simultaneously with those of the Affective, with “pleasurable” standing out as the most predominant one. This work provides qualitative evidence to the SOE study, ratifying the semantic composition of the ORS and thus endorsing the Multidimensional Model of Subjective Orgasmic Experience as a good theoretical model from which to continue studying the subjective orgasmic experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)
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20 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
Sexual Rewards and Costs in Heterosexual and Gay Hispanic Adults
by Cristobal Calvillo, Juan Carlos Sierra, María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes and Reina Granados
Healthcare 2024, 12(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12020170 - 11 Jan 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2019
Abstract
The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction proposes that sexual satisfaction can be explained by the balance of sexual rewards or costs exchange. The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) was developed from this model. The IEMSSQ includes the Reward/Costs Checklist [...] Read more.
The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction proposes that sexual satisfaction can be explained by the balance of sexual rewards or costs exchange. The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) was developed from this model. The IEMSSQ includes the Reward/Costs Checklist (RCC). The RCC assesses different sexual exchanges that are categorized into sexual rewards and/or costs. Analyses and comparisons of sexual rewards and costs in the Hispanic cisgender population based on gender (man or woman) and sexual orientation (heterosexual and homosexual) with this measure have not been conducted. The main goal was to analyze and rank the sexual rewards, costs, and both, indicated by a sample of 1996 Hispanic partnered participants (heterosexual men, gay men, heterosexual women, and lesbians). The predominant sexual exchanges that were reported involved emotional aspects, both as rewards and costs. When participants indicated that the exchange was both a reward and a cost, they were referring to aspects specifically related to the sexual relationship itself. Heterosexual men and women had greater rewards and higher costs, respectively. Gay men obtained a greater number of items reported as rewards and costs. The results provide further insight into sexual satisfaction related to gender and sexual orientation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Functioning, Sexual Satisfaction and Health)
14 pages, 1594 KiB  
Article
The Role of Mu Opioid Receptors in High Fat Diet-Induced Reward and Potentiation of the Rewarding Effect of Oxycodone
by Asif Iqbal, Abdul Hamid, Syed Muzzammil Ahmad and Kabirullah Lutfy
Life 2023, 13(3), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030619 - 23 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3299
Abstract
Excessive high fat diet (HFD) consumption can induce food addiction, which is believed to involve the communication between the hypothalamus and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projecting to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). These brain areas are densely [...] Read more.
Excessive high fat diet (HFD) consumption can induce food addiction, which is believed to involve the communication between the hypothalamus and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projecting to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). These brain areas are densely populated with opioid receptors, raising the possibility that these receptors, and particularly mu opioid receptors (MORs), are involved in rewards elicited by palatable food. This study sought to investigate the involvement of MORs in HFD-induced reward and if there is any difference between male and female subjects in this response. We also assessed if exposure to HFD would alter the rewarding action of oxycodone, a relatively selective MOR agonist. The place conditioning paradigm was used as an animal model of reward to determine if short-time (STC, 2 h) or long-time (LTC, 16 h) conditioning with HFD induces reward or alters the rewarding action of oxycodone. Male and female C57BL/6J mice as well as MOR knockout and their wildtype littermates of both sexes were tested for basal place preference on day 1 and then conditioned with an HFD in one chamber and a regular chow diet (RCD) in another chamber for 2 h on alternate days. Three sets of STC were used, followed by a set of LTC. Each set of conditioning consisted of two conditioning with RCD and two conditioning with HFD. Mice were tested for place preference after each set of STC and again after LTC. Controls were conditioned with RCD in both conditioning chambers. Following the last place preference test, mice were treated with oxycodone and conditioned in the HFD-paired chamber and with saline in the RCD-paired chamber for one hour once a day to explore the possibility if the HFD could alter oxycodone reward. The result showed that HFD induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in male but not female subjects. However, oxycodone conditioning elicited reward in both male and female mice of the HFD group but not the control group, showing that prior conditioning with HFD potentiated the rewarding action of oxycodone. The latter response was mediated via MORs, as it was blunted in MOR knockout mice. Similarly, HFD-induced CPP was blunted in male MOR knockout mice, suggesting sexual dimorphism in this response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Pharmaceutical Science: 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 869 KiB  
Article
High Prevalence of Syphilis and Syphilis/HIV Coinfection among Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Attend Meeting Places in Mexico
by Dayana Nicté Vergara-Ortega, Andrés Tapia-Maltos, Antonia Herrera-Ortíz, Santa García-Cisneros, María Olamendi-Portugal and Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Alemán
Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030356 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5074
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by syphilis, HIV, and syphilis/HIV coinfection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents HIV transmission but does not impede the spread or acquisition of syphilis. Information about syphilis/HIV coinfection among MSM is scarce. We aimed to [...] Read more.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by syphilis, HIV, and syphilis/HIV coinfection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents HIV transmission but does not impede the spread or acquisition of syphilis. Information about syphilis/HIV coinfection among MSM is scarce. We aimed to determine the prevalence of syphilis/HIV coinfection in a national sample of MSM who attend meeting places (such as movies, clubs, gay bars, saunas, shopping malls, and others referred to by the same MSM participants of the study) in Mexico to evaluate factors associated with syphilis, and to compare the prevalence rates of syphilis between the current survey and DGE data. We performed a laboratory diagnosis to determine the rates of syphilis and HIV among the included MSM. The national and regional prevalence of syphilis was calculated. HIV and coinfection prevalence were determined only for the survey. All prevalence rates included 95%CIs. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. The national prevalence rates of syphilis, HIV, and coinfection were 15.2%, 10.2%, and 5.7%, respectively. The region with the highest prevalence rate was Mexico City (39.4%). The center region, minimal “goods” (i.e., a minimal number of material possessions such as a car or dryer, etc., which served as a proxy for low economic income level), use of “inhalant drugs”, “HIV infection”, “sexual intercourse” only with men, “rewarded sex”, and “youngest age at first sexual encounter or debut” were risk factors for syphilis. In general, regional prevalence of syphilis was higher in the survey (2013) and DGE data from 2019 than in the DGE data from 2013. Similar to other countries, Mexico needs to assess elements around not only syphilis and HIV infections but also syphilis/HIV coinfection, and preventive measures focusing on MSM are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs))
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9 pages, 1846 KiB  
Communication
Floral Scent Chemistry and Pollinators of a Sexually Dimorphic Neotropical Orchid
by Paulo Milet-Pinheiro, Carlos E. Pinto, Daniela M. A. F. Navarro, João B. F. Silva, Katharina Brandt and Manfred Ayasse
Plants 2023, 12(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010017 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2346
Abstract
Catasetum is a speciose Neotropical orchid genus of which male and female flowers emit scents acting both as attractant and reward for their exclusive pollinators, male orchid bees (Euglossini: Apidae). In Catasetum, it is well known that flowers display a remarkably morphological [...] Read more.
Catasetum is a speciose Neotropical orchid genus of which male and female flowers emit scents acting both as attractant and reward for their exclusive pollinators, male orchid bees (Euglossini: Apidae). In Catasetum, it is well known that flowers display a remarkably morphological sexual dimorphism. However, it remains poorly investigated whether this is also true for floral scents. Here, we investigated the pollination ecology and floral scent traits (chemistry and total emission) of C. maranhense, a species endemic to the Brazilian N/NE region. Males of Euglossa securigera are the only pollinators of C. maranhense. The floral scent of C. maranhense is composed of 29 volatile compounds, with eucalyptol, indole, (E)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate, and (Z)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate accounting for more than 80% of the scent bouquet. No sexual dimorphism was detected in any of the traits investigated. We discuss the ecological and evolutionary significance of our findings to Catasetum species and other unisexual perfume plants. Full article
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32 pages, 6634 KiB  
Review
Behavioral, Neural, and Molecular Mechanisms of Conditioned Mate Preference: The Role of Opioids and First Experiences of Sexual Reward
by Gonzalo R. Quintana, Conall E. Mac Cionnaith and James G. Pfaus
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 8928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23168928 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6072
Abstract
Although mechanisms of mate preference are thought to be relatively hard-wired, experience with appetitive and consummatory sexual reward has been shown to condition preferences for partner related cues and even objects that predict sexual reward. Here, we reviewed evidence from laboratory species and [...] Read more.
Although mechanisms of mate preference are thought to be relatively hard-wired, experience with appetitive and consummatory sexual reward has been shown to condition preferences for partner related cues and even objects that predict sexual reward. Here, we reviewed evidence from laboratory species and humans on sexually conditioned place, partner, and ejaculatory preferences in males and females, as well as the neurochemical, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms putatively responsible. From a comprehensive review of the available data, we concluded that opioid transmission at μ opioid receptors forms the basis of sexual pleasure and reward, which then sensitizes dopamine, oxytocin, and vasopressin systems responsible for attention, arousal, and bonding, leading to cortical activation that creates awareness of attraction and desire. First experiences with sexual reward states follow a pattern of sexual imprinting, during which partner- and/or object-related cues become crystallized by conditioning into idiosyncratic “types” that are found sexually attractive and arousing. These mechanisms tie reward and reproduction together, blending proximate and ultimate causality in the maintenance of variability within a species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Neurobiology in Chile)
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48 pages, 1944 KiB  
Review
Dopamine, Erectile Function and Male Sexual Behavior from the Past to the Present: A Review
by Maria Rosaria Melis, Fabrizio Sanna and Antonio Argiolas
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(7), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12070826 - 24 Jun 2022
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 11558
Abstract
Early and recent studies show that dopamine through its neuronal systems and receptor subtypes plays different roles in the control of male sexual behavior. These studies show that (i) the mesolimbic/mesocortical dopaminergic system plays a key role in the preparatory phase of sexual [...] Read more.
Early and recent studies show that dopamine through its neuronal systems and receptor subtypes plays different roles in the control of male sexual behavior. These studies show that (i) the mesolimbic/mesocortical dopaminergic system plays a key role in the preparatory phase of sexual behavior, e.g., in sexual arousal, motivation and reward, whereas the nigrostriatal system controls the sensory-motor coordination necessary for copulation, (ii) the incertohypothalamic system is involved in the consummatory aspects of sexual behavior (penile erection and copulation), but evidence for its role in sexual motivation is also available, (iii) the pro-sexual effects of dopamine occur in concert with neural systems interconnecting the hypothalamus and preoptic area with the spinal cord, ventral tegmental area and other limbic brain areas and (iv) D2 and D4 receptors play a major role in the pro-sexual effects of dopamine. Despite some controversy, increases or decreases, respectively, of brain dopamine activity induced by drugs or that occur physiologically, usually improves or worsens, respectively, sexual activity. These findings suggest that an altered central dopaminergic tone plays a role in mental pathologies characterized by aberrant sexual behavior, and that pro-erectile D4 receptor agonists may be considered a new strategy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Motor Neuroscience)
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9 pages, 231 KiB  
Entry
The Human Passion for Music
by Bjørn Grinde
Encyclopedia 2022, 2(2), 1119-1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia2020074 - 7 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3403
Definition
Music is a universal feature of human societies, which suggests that an evolutionary perspective should help us understand our appreciation. The reward (pleasure) system of the brain offers a suitable framework. The question is why we evolved rewards for listening to and producing [...] Read more.
Music is a universal feature of human societies, which suggests that an evolutionary perspective should help us understand our appreciation. The reward (pleasure) system of the brain offers a suitable framework. The question is why we evolved rewards for listening to and producing sounds with particular qualities. The primary evolutionary advantage is probably related to the importance of language; features of sound, such as purity, harmony, complexity, and rhythmicity, are useful for facilitating oral communication. One would expect evolution to associate rewards with these qualities in order to stimulate the development of brain regions involved in interpreting and producing relevant sounds. There are additional adaptive aspects of music, such as relaxation, social coherence, and sexual selection. Music can be regarded as a superstimulus that accentuates and exploits rewards associated with hearing. As such, music is not necessarily adaptive in a biological sense, but serves the purpose of improving quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Arts & Humanities)
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