Neural activation during sexual and competitive arousal in healthy men

To investigate the mediating neuroanatomy of positively valenced arousal, w e used script-driven imagery in conjunction with positron emission tomograp hy to measure relative regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during sexual an d competitive arousal, as well as neutral comparison states. Subjects were eight healthy right-handed men. Psychophysiologic responses and subjective ratings confirmed that the desired state manipulations were achieved. Stati stical parametric mapping revealed similar patterns of rCBF changes for bot h positively valenced arousal conditions: increases were found within anter ior cingulate and anterior temporal cortex as well as the ventral globus pa llidus; decreases were found within widespread heteromodal association area s. These results complement findings from studies of other normal and patho logical emotional states, and provide new insights regarding the neural sub strates of pleasurable arousal in healthy men. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ir eland Ltd. All rights reserved.