Alterations in sexual behaviour and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid of female rhesus monkeys treated with clomipramine.

Clomipramine markedly decreases the proceptivity and receptivity of female rhesus monkeys paired with males in the laboratory. These behavioural changes are correlated with cerebrospinal fluid levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and with noradrenaline and serotonin uptake, both in vivo and in vitro. Detailed studies of this kind should help to elucidate the effects of antidepressant therapy on sexual activity in man, and the wider relationship between cerebral amines and behaviour.