Copulation induces expression of the immediate early gene Arc in mating-relevant brain regions of the male rat.

The medial amygdala (MeA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and medial preoptic area (mPOA) are important for the regulation of male sexual behavior. Sexual experience facilitates sexual behaviors and influences activity in these regions. The goal of this study was to determine whether sexual experience or copulation induces plasticity in the MeA, BNST, or mPOA of male rats, as indicated by changes in levels of Arc, which is indicative of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in the brain.