Opioid peptides have long been known to have regulatory effects on sexual behavior. Endogenous opioids affect reproductive function in both men and women, and the effects of exogenous opioid use are often described in sexual terms as an "orgasmiclike" euphoria. Moreover, long-term opioid use results in a deterioration of sexual function. Studies have shown similar regulatory effects on sexual behavior in rodent models, in which opioids facilitate sexual motivation and inhibit sexual performance. Of the three opioid receptors (mu, delta, and kappa), anatomical, gene manipulation, and pharmacological evidence show mu opioid receptors to be the most likely involved in the regulation of sexual behavior. The goal of this dissertation was to elucidate the role of endogenous opioid peptides in the regulation of male sexual behavior by addressing the following three specific aims. Specific aim 1 addressed when and where endogenous opioid peptides act during sexual behavior. This aim was investigated by examining in which brain regions mating-induced mu opioid receptor activation occurs and during which component of sexual behavior it occurs. Specific aim 2 addressed what the behavioral significance of mu opioid receptor activation is. The medial parvocellular Subparafascicular thalamic nucleus was the brain region chosen for examination of this aim. This region is part of the spinothalamic pathway important for the processing of sensory signals related to ejaculation. Sexual behavior was observed following pharmacological mu opioid receptor activation in the medial parvocellular Subparafascicular thalamic nucleus. Specific Aim 3 addresses which endogenous opioid peptide(s) is acting during male sexual behavior. Although three known ligands exist for mu opioid receptors, we chose to begin investigation of this aim by examining beta-endorphin. Activation of beta-endorphin neurons following various components of sexual behavior was analyzed. In addition, sexual behavior of beta-endorphin knockout mice was examined to determine any deficits due to the absence of beta-endorphin. Together, the data within this dissertation help to further our understanding of how endogenous opioid peptides are involved in the regulation of male sexual behavior.

Many aspects of reproduction, including ovulation, birth, and lactation, depend on signals from the brain that control hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. This brain-endocrine interaction also ensures that the animal's behavior is appropriate for changing reproductive states. This volume presents new knowledge on the neural control of reproductive processes from studies of how opioid peptides act within the brain to regulate sexual behavior and reproduction in humans and other mammals. The role of brain opioid in the control of gonadotrophin secretion and the onset of puberty, the regulation of seasonal breeding and sexual behavior, and the release of oxytocin and its involvement in parturition and lactation are discussed. The findings and the perspectives they bring will be of great value to clinicians, veterinarians, research scientists, and students interested in this growing field.

This new edition covers the latest knowledge on opiate receptors and related receptor subtypes. It discusses many topics pertaining to the unique integrated approach of correlating the biochemical, physiological and pharmacological aspects of opiate reaction.

Uncontrolled population growth, a significant problem for many countries, depresses real living standards in all developing areas. As a corollary, un controlled population growth also stresses the ability to deliver adequate reproductive health care on both national and individual levels. To focus on this and related problems an International Congress to examine many aspects of male and female Reproductive Health Center Care was held on 10-15 October 1982 in Maui, Hawaii, USA. This volume is a result of the proceedings from the 'Symposium on Male Fertility and its Regulation' which was a part of the Reproductive Health Care Congress. The organizers of this symposium recognized the need to focus male reproductive understanding on contraceptive development. The ultimate objective was and still is to produce a variety of safe and effective male contraceptives similar to that accomplished in the female. Speakers were invited to review the state of the art in several areas related to male contra ception, reproductive toxicity and reproductive biology. The abstracts of these sessions were published as a special issue of Archives of Andrology (Vol. 9, No.1, August, 1982). Subsequently, this volume was assembled from key papers presented at the Symposium. Additionally, invited man uscripts from leaders in specific areas were solicited to provide additional range to the topics covered.

Disease-Modifying Targets in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Paving the Way for Disease-Modifying Therapies examines specific neurodegenerative disorders in comprehensive chapters written by experts in the respective fields. Each chapter contains a summary of the disease management field, subsequently elaborating on the molecular mechanisms and promising new targets for disease-modifying therapies. This overview is ideal for neuroscientists, biomedical researchers, medical doctors, and caregivers, not only providing readers with a summary of the way patients are treated today, but also offering a glance at the future of neurodegenerative disorder treatment. - Provides a comprehensive overview of how key proteins in neurodegenerative disorders can be used as targets to modify disease progress - Summarizes how patients are treated today, providing a glance at future disease management - Includes intelligible and informative information that is perfect for non-specialists, medical practitioners, and scientists - Written and peer reviewed by outstanding scientists in their respective fields