Nancy,
This question takes me back to my master's thesis and a literature that I
have not read since the early 80's. The following is not a direct answer to
your question. I have not seen anything about the role of serotonin in
sexual attraction to specific targets. At that time there was evidence that
depleting serotonin would increase sexual behavior in male rodents. There
was at least one corroborating study with human males. (I can find some
references for this research if you would like.) The literature on
copulatory behavior in female rodents was just emerging at that time and I
recall at least two studies that suggested a similar role for serotonin, but
I do not recall the specifics.
I hope this helps.
Dennis
Dennis M. Goff
Dept. of Psychology
Randolph-Macon Woman's College
Lynchburg, VA 24503
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Sent: Friday, June 30, 2000 6:17 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Student question - Is serotonin a Cupid?
Biotipsters,
I am getting many good student questions posted to my Psychology Blackboard.
One of the most recent concerns the role of serotonin in sexual attraction
--
that is, does serotonin play in any role in promoting attraction between
people? Do any of the physio people know if and what the role of serotonin
in physical attraction is, so that I can post an intelligent (or reasonable
facsimile thereof) answer to this query?
Thanks much.
Nancy Melucci
Huntington Beach, CA
