Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice

J Vis Exp. 2020 Mar 5:(157). doi: 10.3791/60154.

Abstract

Sexual behavior is highly species-specific. Although rodents have slightly different sexual behaviors, mice and rats have a similar sexual behavioral pattern. The purpose of this article is to describe the hormone-induced estrus ovariectomized female model and the experimental procedure for the assessment of sexual behavior of male mice. The most important sexual behavioral elements are demonstrated in the video and illustrations. The critical steps, advantages, and limitations of the sexual behavior test are explained as well. Finally, the behavior parameters are presented, and mounting, intromission, and ejaculation processes in mating are distinguished. Behavioral parameters are assessed in terms of the occurred duration and counts during the test period.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Ejaculation / physiology
  • Estrus / drug effects
  • Female
  • Habituation, Psychophysiologic
  • Hormones / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Ovariectomy
  • Rats
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology*

Substances

  • Hormones