Spinal Cord Takes Centre Stage in new Understanding of Ejaculation
NEW YORK, NY – For decades, the brain has been considered the primary control center for ejaculation. Now,groundbreaking research reveals the spinal cord plays a far more active and nuanced role than previously understood,independently processing sensory input and even actively being blocked by the brain until conditions are optimal for orgasm. The revelation, published today, could revolutionize treatment for male sexual dysfunction.
The study, conducted by researchers at [Institution Name – not specified in text], overturns the long-held belief that ejaculation is solely a brain-driven process. Millions of men experience sexual dysfunction, ranging from premature ejaculation to difficulty achieving orgasm. Understanding the spinal cord’s independent contribution to the process offers a new target for therapeutic intervention, perhaps leading to more effective and tailored treatments.
Scientists focused on the bulbospongiosum muscle (BSM), crucial for ejaculation, and identified a specific group of neurons in the spinal cord producing galanin (Gal+ neurons). These neurons directly connect to the motor neurons controlling the BSM, and their activation reliably triggered muscle contractions – unless the neurotransmitter glutamate was blocked. This demonstrates a direct excitatory pathway originating within the spinal cord.
Remarkably, the research team also found these Gal+ neurons receive direct sensory input from the penis itself. Even in mice with spinal cords severed from the brain, a simple puff of air to the genitals activated the circuit. However, when the brain was connected, it appeared to actively suppress this spinal pathway until the appropriate conditions for ejaculation were met. “Our results suggest that the brain actively blocks this network until conditions are right for ejaculation,” explains co-author Ana Rita Mendes.
Further investigation revealed a surprising level of contextual awareness within the spinal cord. Following ejaculation, the Gal+ neurons temporarily ceased functioning, suggesting a built-in “reset” mechanism. Destroying these neurons in mice led to ejaculation disorders, disrupted sexual behavior – taking longer, performing incorrectly, and reduced efficiency – mirroring issues seen in human sexual dysfunction.
“Rats remain useful for studying premature ejaculation, but mice could better reflect human sexuality,” says researcher Constanze Lenschow, highlighting the importance of using mouse models for future research. The findings establish the spinal cord not as a simple relay station, but as a sophisticated processing center for sexual facts, paving the way for a new era of understanding and treating male sexual health concerns.
