AFFERENTS ORIGINATING FROM THE DORSAL PENILE NERVE EXCITE OXYTOCIN CELLS IN THE HYPOTHALAMIC PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS OF THE RAT

Electrical stimulation of the dorsal penile nerve (DPN) produced ortho dromic excitation in about half of oxytocin cells in the paraventricul ar nucleus (PVN). In contrast, less than 10% of vasopressin cells were excited. Tactile stimulation of the glans penis by a paintbrush produ ced excitation in 40% of oxytocin cells. Castration did not prevent ac tivation of oxytocin cells. These results suggest that somatosensory i nformation from the penis is transmitted to the PVN through the DPN an d that such afferent input preferentially innervates oxytocin cells.