Researchers in the University of Warwick's Department of Biological Sciences have found that a hormone associated with obesity is actually also very active in the male genitals where it plays a key role in male fertility and may even influence the erection response in male sexual arousal.
The research, published today (Tuesday 6th April 2004) in the "Journal of Clinical and Endocrinology and Metabolism" focuses on a protein called orexin. Orexin is named after the Greek word for appetite as previous researchers found it stimulates the human adrenal gland to produce cortisol which in turn can cause obesity. The University of Warwick researchers have now, for the first time, found clear evidence that orexin activity can be found in several areas of the male genitals where it has a more positive affect.
The University of Warwick research team (Dr. Emmanuel Karteris, Dr Jing Chen, Dr Harpal Randeva), led by Dr Harpal Randeva (Senior Lecturer) found receptors for orexins in a number of areas within the testis and penis. These areas include the:
Note for Editors: The research received funding from "The General Charities of the City of Coventry"
For further information contact:
Dr Harpal Randeva, Dept of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick Tel: 44-247-657-2552
hrandeva@bio.warwick.ac.uk
Dr Emmanouil Karteris, Department of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick Tel: 44-247-652-2439
E.K.Karteris@warwick.ac.uk
Peter Dunn, Press and Media Relations Manager
Communications Office, Senate House
University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL
44-247-652-3708
email: p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism