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β-Endorphin regulates lordosis in female rats by modulating LH-RH release

Nature volume 301, pages 62–64 (1983)Cite this article

Abstract

Several lines of evidence have implicated the endogenous opioid peptides in the regulation of masculine sexual behaviour1–10. However, although the opioid related peptides α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)11,12 and adrenocorticotropin ( ACTH)13 have been shown to affect lordosis behaviour in the female rat, there is as yet no evidence for a role of the endogenous opiates in the regulation of female sexual behaviour. We present here evidence that the endogenous opiates in the mesencephalic central grey (MCG) are involved in the control of lordosis behaviour in the female rat.

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Author notes

  1. H. M. Fraser: Medical Research Council, Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh EH3 9EW, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Animal Physiology Division, Agricultural Research Council, Meat Research Institute, Langford, Bristol, BS18 7DY, UK

    D. J. S. Sirinathsinghji, P. E. Whittington, A. Audsley & H. M. Fraser

Authors
  1. D. J. S. Sirinathsinghji
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  2. P. E. Whittington
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  3. A. Audsley
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  4. H. M. Fraser
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Sirinathsinghji, D., Whittington, P., Audsley, A. et al. β-Endorphin regulates lordosis in female rats by modulating LH-RH release. Nature 301, 62–64 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1038/301062a0

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