GNRH II STIMULATION AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. To improve our understanding of neuroendocrine mechanisms in marmosets to clarify the efficacy of GnRH peptides as non-estrogenic stimulators of female response and aid in developing more appropriate clinical intervention for sexual dysfunction in women. Sexual dysfunction affects an estimated 43% of women. Currently there are no approved drug therapies for this disorder. Further concerns that hormonal treatment with estrogens and progestogens are not safe motivates the search for non-steroidal pharmoacotherapy. Neuropeptide gonadotropin releasing hormone II stimulates sexual behavior in a range of non-primates, but its role in humans and nonhuman primates is unknown. We developed a model system with female common marmosets to determine the behavioral responses to GnRH II. GnRH II increases nearly four-fold the frequency of proceptive (sexual solicitation) behaviors (tongue flicking, proceptive stares and frozen postures) exhibited by females towards their pair-mates compared to controls. GnRH II increases sexual receptivity (females enabling male sexual behavior) by doubling the frequency of intromission by males compared to vehicle without affecting mount or mount attempt frequencies. GnRH II stimulation of sexual behavior is not estradiol dependent. These findings indicate a role for GnRH II in the regulation of female primate sexual behavior. The funding ended before this reporting period and this progress report is on the resulting findings and publication. This research used WNPRC Assay Services and Animal Services.