C. Coopersmith et al., EFFECTS OF PACED MATING AND INTROMISSIVE STIMULATION ON FEMININE SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR AND ESTRUS TERMINATION IN THE CYCLING RAT, Journal of comparative psychology, 110(2), 1996, pp. 176-186
The effects of differential mating stimulation on sexual behavior and
estrus length were examined in cycling rats that could or could not se
lf-regulate, or pace, the timing of sexual contact. Female rats (Rattu
s norvegicus) received 30 paced, 30 nonpaced, or 15 nonpaced followed
by 15 paced intromissions during mating tests. Decreases in sexual res
ponsiveness were seen during the second half of testing; pacing was as
sociated with greater inter-intromission intervals, decreased procepti
vity, and increased rejection behavior at this time. Female rats pacin
g during the second test half behaved similarly, regardless of prior t
reatment, showing that the number rather than the timing of prior intr
omissions affected subsequent behavior. However, estrus length was dec
reased by prior paced mating. These data suggest that changes in sexua
l responsivity occur throughout estrus and that the nature of these ch
anges is differentially dependent on the type of mating stimulation re
ceived.