Effects of median cortical lesions on the sexual behavior of the male hamster.

Abstract

Sexual behavior of 3 groups of male hamsters was compared following ablation of median cortex (cingulate and retrosplenial areas), ablation of lateral cortex, and sham operations. The median group exhibited a significant reduction in intromission frequency. No interruption of the sequencing of components of mating behavior was observed. The lateral and sham operates showed no postoperative changes. The data were interpreted as indicating that the effect of median lesions is to change the threshold for sexual arousal.