Serotonin 1A receptors and sexual behavior in male rats: A review

•We discuss the mechanisms of serotonin in male sexual behavior.•5-HT1A receptors are important under conditions of elevated serotonin levels.•Three phases can be distinguished in the sexual cycle in males.•Different mechanisms are involved in the different phases.

Serotonin plays an important role in male sexual behavior. Many studies have been performed on the pivotal role of 5-HT1A receptors in sexual behavior. Overall, 5-HT1A receptors do not appear to be involved under normal circumstances, but become very important under conditions of elevated serotonin levels in sexual behavior. 5-HT1A receptor agonists facilitate ejaculatory behavior in male rats, while inhibiting copulatory behavior. Three different phases can be distinguished in rats' sexual cycle, the introductory (precopulatory), the copulatory and the executive (ejaculatory) phases. Different mechanisms and brain regions are involved in these phases. The mechanisms, brain regions and the possible involvement of 5-HT and 5-HT1A receptors in the appropriate phases in male rat sexual behavior will be discussed in the current review.