Sexual dysfunction is defined as low sexual satisfaction as a result of physical or psychological problems. In men, the most common forms of sexual dysfunction include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and decreased sexual desire.
For many men, anxiety can be a trigger for sexual dysfunction. Some are concerned about erectile response, which can have negative implications for sexual function; others feel uneasy about their body image, or may be experiencing psychological stress due to work, money, or health problems.
The new study, presented by researchers from Kings College London (Reunited) at the Society for Endocrinology Annual Conference, held in Harrogate, UK, suggests that increased activity of the hormone kisspeptin in a specific area of the brain has the potential to reduce anxiety in men and increase sexual behavior.
The kisspeptin hormone
Kisspeptin is a hormone produced by a region of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hormone interacts with receptors on the pituitary gland, connected to the lower part of the hypothalamus. This triggers a signaling cascade that drives the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estradiol.
Previous research revealed that neurons that respond to kisspeptin are also present in the amygdala, which is a region of the brain that plays a key role in emotional processing.
Specifically, the team identified these neurons in the medial posterodorsal amygdala , an area strongly related to the response to pheromones.
With all these factors in mind, the scientists investigated whether increased kisspeptin activity in the medial posterodorsal amygdala could influence anxiety and sexual behavior, manipulating the kisspeptin-sensitive neurons in this area of the brain of a group of male mice. .
The team used a series of drugs to activate or deactivate these neurons in the rodents, and their anxiety and social and sexual behavior were monitored.
The study revealed that when kisspeptin-sensitive neurons were activated, male mice showed fewer indicators of anxiety, were more willing to engage in social interaction with other mice, and paid more attention to female mice.
More studies are needed to confirm the findings, but the authors believe their results hold promise for a new treatment for anxiety-related sexual dysfunction in men.
“The findings of our study suggest that the activation of kisspeptin in these neurons coordinates sexual preferences and anxiety behavior towards intercourse, which indicates that it promotes maximum reproductive success in the male”, comments Daniel Adekunbi, leader of the study.
In the future, the researchers plan to look closely at how the activation and deactivation of kisspeptin neurons in the medial posterodorsal amygdala affects sexual behavior and anxiety in rodents. Adekunbi wonders if sexual orientation could be modulated with this technique: “When neurons are inactivated, will the male mouse prefer to interact with a male mouse over a female one?”
Referencia: Daniel Adekunbi1,2,3, Xiaofeng LI1, Geffen Lass1 et al. Kisspeptin boosts male sexual appetite and reduces anxiety. 2017 Society for Endocrinology Annual Conference
