The amygdala and male reproductive functions: I. Anatomical and endocrine bases

Abstract

The present review is mainly concerned with the role of the amygdala (AMY) in male sexual behaviour and presents the characteristics of neuroanatomical and neuroendocrine organization of the cortico-medial amygdala as compared to the medial preoptic area (MPOA), in relation to sexual behaviour and gonadotropin secretion. It stresses the part played by AMY in processing sensory information which afterwards reaches the hypothalamus (HYP). Some data on the different function of steroids and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) systems within AMY and MPOA are provided. The role of AMY in the positive feedback effect on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and the involvement of steroid and opiate interaction as its mechanism are suggested. AMY is proposed to integrate external and internal sensory information granting the optimal conditions for sexual performance and possibly for regulation of LH release according to the behavioural context. The steroid content of AMY may influence these processes.