AMPA/kainate receptors in the ventromedial hypothalamus mediate the effects of glutamate on estrus termination in the rat

► Glutamate in the ventromedial hypothalamus inhibits female rat sexual behavior. ► Estrus termination is a natural state of sexual inhibition. ► Infusions of DNQX to the ventromedial hypothalamus prevent estrus termination. ► Increased glutamate transmission in the VMH mediates estrus termination.