Melanocortin 4 receptor signaling in Sim1 neurons permits sexual receptivity in female mice.

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction affects approximately 40% of women in the United States, yet few therapeutic options exist for these patients. The melanocortin system is a new treatment target for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), but the neuronal pathways involved are unclear.

Methods: In this study, the sexual behavior of female MC4R knockout mice lacking melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4Rs) was examined.