Differential regulation of female sexual behaviour by dopamine agonists in the medial preoptic area

► Dopamine in the medial preoptic area plays a critical role in the appetitive sexual behavior of female rats. ► Infusions of dopamine agonist drugs, such as apomorphine and quinpirole, to the medial preoptic area increase appetitive solicitations in female rats. ► The data support the theoretical notion that the D1/D2 receptor ratio in the medial preoptic area controls appetitive sexual behaviors in female rats.