Pharmacology of serotonin and female sexual behavior

• Published in: Pharmacology, biochemistry and behavior Vol. 121; pp. 31 - 42
• Main Author: Uphouse, Lynda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2014
• Subjects: 5-HT receptors; Animals; Female; Humans; Proceptivity; Receptor Cross-Talk - drug effects; Receptor Cross-Talk - physiology; Receptors, Serotonin - classification; Receptors, Serotonin - physiology; Review; Serotonin - physiology; Serotonin Antagonists - pharmacology; Serotonin Receptor Agonists - pharmacology; Sexual Behavior - drug effects; Sexual Behavior - physiology; Sexual Behavior, Animal - drug effects; Sexual Behavior, Animal - physiology; Sexual motivation; Sexual receptivity; SSRIs; Sexual motivation; Review; SSRIs; Sexual receptivity; Proceptivity; 5-HT receptors
• ISSN: 0091-3057; 1873-5177
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.11.008

In this review, first a historical perspective of serotonin's (5-HT) involvement in female sexual behavior is presented. Then an overview of studies implicating 5-HT is presented. The effect of drugs that increase or decrease CNS levels of 5-HT is reviewed. Evidence is presented that drugs which increase 5-HT have negative effects on female sexual behavior while a decrease in 5-HT is associated with facilitation of sexual behavior. Studies with compounds that act on 5-HT1, 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptors are discussed. Most evidence indicates that 5-HT1A receptor agonists inhibit sexual behavior while 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptors may exert a positive influence. There is substantial evidence to support a role for 5-HT in the modulation of female consummatory sexual behavior, but studies on the role of 5-HT in other elements of female sexual behavior (e.g. desire, motivation, sexual appetite) are few. Future studies should be directed at determining if these additional components of female sexual behavior are also modulated by 5-HT. •A historical view of serotonin’s (5-HT) role in female sexual behavior is presented.•The effect of drugs that increase or decrease CNS levels of 5-HT is reviewed.•Studies with compounds that act on 5-HT1, 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptors are overviewed.•Limitations about 5-HT’s role in female sexual behavior are discussed.