This review focuses on the role of serotonin and especially 5-HT₁A receptors in female rat sexual behavior. In addition, the differences and/or similarities with male rats are discussed. Overall, in both males and females 5-HT₁A receptors do not appear to be involved in sexual behavior under normal circumstances, but become very important under conditions of elevated serotonin levels. 5-HT₁A receptor agonists facilitate sexual behavior in male rats, but inhibit female sexual activity. At first sight, this seems quite conflicting, but could be due to our definitions of different elements of sexual behavior. Three different phases can be distinguished in rats' sexual cycle, the introductory (precopulatory), the copulatory and the executive (ejaculatory) phases. Different mechanisms and brain regions are involved in these phases. If the appropriate phases of males and females are properly compared, the role of 5-HT₁A receptors in rats might be more similar than assumed thus far.
Keywords: 5-HT(1A) receptors; Animal models; Female; Serotonin; Sexual behavior.
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