Kisspeptin reduces sexual dysfunction in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Background. Sexual dysfunction is not a specific symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is a common clinical complaint. Rodents exposed to a single traumatic event exhibit behavioral disturbances in tests designed to measure emotional behavior, the study shows. In relation to sexual behavior, exposure to acute stress leads to a decrease in the frequency of ejaculation, as well as an increase in latency to first intercourse, first intromission and ejaculation. Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide that plays an important role in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It also plays a role in sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a single traumatic event caused by a predator on sexual behavior and motivation in male rats and to correct them using hormonal and non-hormonal regulators. Methods. We used 60 copulatory naive male Wistar rats aged 90-100 days weighing 220-230 g, divided into 6 groups of 10 animals each. Animals of group 1 were intact; in the remaining groups, post-traumatic stress disorder was modeled by exposure to a predator (tiger python). In the experimental groups, animals received buserelin, kisspeptin-10 and yohimbine. An unattainable reinforcement chamber was used to assess sexual motivation. Free locomotor activity of animals was studied in the open field test. The elevated plus maze test was used to assess stress effects. Blood and brain samples were collected for testosterone and corticosterone ELISA. Results. Acute predator stress, as an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder, significantly reduces several components of sexual motivation in male rats and increases serum corticosterone levels. Both intranasal and systemic administration of kisspeptin increases sexual motivation in male rats after chronic stress. Buserelin has a significant effect on testosterone secretion, but has little effect on sexual motivation. Systemic administration of kisspeptin partially restores testosterone production in a rat model of stress disorder. Yohimbine does not affect hormonal levels and has a disruptive effect on sexual motivation in rats. None of the hormonal and non-hormonal regulators used had an effect on corticosterone levels. Conclusion. The findings indicate that exposure to predator stress has a greater impact on sexual motivation and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis than on sex hormone production. This creates the prerequisites for the search for new mechanisms underlying the regulation of reproductive behavior and the influence of stress factors on its implementation.