Mating in male rats after section of the dorsal penile nerve

The dorsal penile nerve was sectioned in 12 male rats and their sexual behavior observed during a 2-month period but compared to intact animals the mating pattern was greatly impaired and the ejaculatory latencies were accordingly prolonged.

Abstract

The dorsal penile nerve was sectioned in 12 male rats and their sexual behavior observed during a 2-month period. The males continued to show vigorous mounting behavior throughout the testing period but compared to intact animals the mating pattern was greatly impaired. All males displayed mounts and intromissions but only 4 animals ejaculated. The proportion of mounts without intromission was greatly increased. The animals which were able to ejaculate showed an increment in the number of mounts and intromissions preceding ejaculation and the ejaculatory latencies were accordingly prolonged. The impairment of sexual behavior was attributed to a reduced stimulatory effect of mounts and intromissions.