The impact of sleep deprivation on sexual behaviors and FAAH expression in the prefrontal cortex of male rats

Background and Aim : Sleep deprivation (SD) causes alterations in the function of the endocannabinoid (EC) system and also alters sexual behavior. Controversial data about the effects of SD on sexual response are provided. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzymes involved in the degradation of EC system play an important role in the function of the EC system.Methods : Sleep deprivation (SD) causes alterations in the function of the endocannabinoid (EC) system and also alters sexual behavior. Controversial data about the effects of SD on sexual response are provided. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzymes involved in the degradation of EC system play an important role in the function of the EC system.Results : Sexual behaviors were reduced by both types of RSD and TSD. The deleterious effects of 24h RSD were more severe compared with 6h of TSD. Serum testosterone concentration was significantly higher after TSD but not RSD compared to the normal sleep (NS) group. FAAH expression in the PFC was significantly reduced after both RSD and TSD compared to the NS group.Conclusion : Given that the function of the EC system has been previously shown to change different behaviors such as sexual activity, our results could suggest that behavioral effects of both types of SD on sexual behavior may partially result from activation of this signaling pathway by the reduction of FAAH in the PFC.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sleep deprivation ، sexual behaviors ، FAAH ، prefrontal cortex ، EC system