A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Endogenous Opioid Release After Orgasm in Man: A Combined PET/Functional MRI Study
Authors: Jern Patrick, Chen Jinglu, Tuisku Jouni, Saanijoki Tiina, Hirvonen Jussi, Lukkarinen Lasse, Manninen Sandra, Helin Semi, Putkinen Vesa, Nummenmaa Lauri
Publisher: Society of Nuclear Medicine Inc.
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Journal name in source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Volume: 64
Issue: 8
First page : 1310
Last page: 1313
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.123.265512
Web address : https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.123.265512
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/180906074
The endogenous m-opioid receptor (MOR) system plays a key role in the mammalian reward circuit. Human and animal experiments suggest the involvement of MORs in human sexual pleasure, yet this hypothesis currently lacks in vivo support.
Methods: We used PET with the radioligand [11C]carfentanil, which has high affinity for MORs, to quantify endogenous opioid release after orgasm in man. Participants were scanned once immediately after orgasm and once in a baseline state. Hemodynamic activity was measured with functional MRI during penile stimulation.
Results: The PET data revealed significant opioid release in the hippocampus. Hemodynamic activity in the somatosensory and motor cortices and in the hippocampus and thalamus increased during penile stimulation, and thalamic activation was linearly dependent on self-reported sexual arousal.
Conclusion: Our data show that endogenous opioidergic activation in the medial temporal lobe is centrally involved in sexual arousal, and this circuit may be implicated in orgasmic disorders.
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