Central Mechanisms--Dopamine
Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc):
- lesions do not block the display of copulation
- however, blocking input into the NAcc by bilateral lesioning the BLa can block bar pressing in order to gain access to a receptive female (discussed in terms of sexual motivation)
- DA levels increase prior to, and during, the act of copulating with a receptive female
- however, DA levels also increase in NAcc in response to feeding, drinking, drug self-administration
- Nacc is thought to play a role motivational processes and reward