Student Projects - Psychology - B.S.

Project Name

Ethanol Exposure During Puberty and Sexual Motivation and Behaviors in Male Rats

Project Description

The relationship between ethanol exposure during puberty and sexual motivation and behaviors was examined in male rats. Previous research in adult animals has shown reduced sexual behavior after ethanol exposure. However, there are still some inconsistencies in studies of sexual motivation.

In the present study, male Long-Evans rats were given chronic low-dose ethanol (0%, 3%, and 6%) starting in puberty (37 days old), and the long term effects of ethanol on male sexual motivation and behavior were investigated in adulthood while still receiving ethanol and after a period of withdrawal. Male rats were tested for copulation and partner preference by comparing the time spent with the receptive (estrous) vs. non-receptive (non-estrous) females. Mating calls (50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations) and scent markings in the presence of pheromonal cues were also measured. Copulation, partner preference, vocalizations, and scent markings were also measured after a period of withdrawal later in adulthood. Following testing, peripheral structures were removed, and brains were collected for analysis.

Preliminary data suggest that there may be some impairments in copulation, but partner preference and vocalizations are unaffected by this early exposure to ethanol.

Project Outcomes

For the most part, chronic alcohol exposure during puberty had significant effects on the copulatory behavior and sexual motivation of male rats in adulthood. Sexual performance was impaired in the High ETOH condition as indicated by a significant decrease in the percentage of males ejaculating as adults when not under the influence of ethanol. Also, rats in the High ETOH group that did ejaculate had a longer latency. The data from the present study is consistent with Oliva et al, in which pubescent male rats exposed to ethanol showed decreases in sexual behaviors, which included a low percentage of animals ejaculating in the ethanol group as compared to the control groups (2006).

Over the summer, the remaining data will be reviewed and a study investigating alcohol consumption during puberty will be conducted with female rats.