Krüger Tillmann H C, Schiffer Boris, Eikermann Matthias, Haake Philip, Gizewski Elke, Schedlowski Manfred
Division of Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich, Universitätsstrasse 6, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
Eur J Neurosci. 2006 Dec;24(12):3445-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05215.x.
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.
近期对人类性反应周期潜在神经内分泌反应模式的研究表明，男性和女性在性高潮后，交感肾上腺系统会出现短暂激活，血浆催乳素浓度会大幅且持续升高。催乳素被认为是反馈机制的一部分，该反馈机制向中枢神经系统中的一些中枢发出信号，比如控制性唤起的多巴胺能系统。为了进一步阐明神经肽、生物源单胺和神经递质在人类性行为中的核心作用，研究采用了一种先前建立的实验室环境下的性活动实验范式，实施了连续脑脊液（CSF）采样技术。在10名健康男性和10名年龄匹配的对照组的性反应周期中，通过留置的脊髓导管抽取腰椎脑脊液，同时进行外周内分泌指标检测，并分析其中催乳素、催产素、生物源单胺和/或其代谢产物以及抑制性和兴奋性神经递质的浓度。与外周交感神经活动增强同时出现的是，在视听、自慰诱导的性唤起和性高潮期间，脑脊液中的去甲肾上腺素也会增加，并在该时段的剩余时间内保持升高（F(4,72) = 8.79，P = 0.000）。相比之下，其他指标，特别是催乳素、多巴胺或其代谢产物，均未显示出显著变化。总之，人类性反应周期的特点是血浆和脑脊液中的交感神经活动增加，以及性高潮后血浆催乳素的显著分泌。然而，在腰椎脑脊液中未发现多巴胺能或肽能活性的改变，这可能是由于在间脑和中脑区域存在局部且有限的释放。
