May 23, 2004

scientists comment on study of aspirin and rat sexual behaviour

Comments on a study of rats suggesting that expectant mothers taking aspirin may produce sons with unusually low libidos.

Professor Ieuan Hughes, Endocrinologist and Professor of Paedatrics at the University of Cambridge, said:

“This a beautifully conducted study with convincing results. However, it would be a quantum leap to extrapolate this data to humans as we know so little about sexual hardwiring of the brain around birth. Women are occasionally given low dose aspirin prevent miscarriage and on the basis of this study this should not change. But, as with any medication, it is worth avoiding while pregnant where possible.”

Prof Nigel Brown, Professor Of Developmental Biology, University of London, said:

“Rats are the favourite model for studies of how the brain determines sexual behaviour. This is because rats have an easily identified area of the brain which differs in males and females. “We should not extrapolate this finding directly to women and their babies, for several reasons. Human sexual behaviour is complicated, and the relevant areas of our brain are nowhere near as well known as they are in the rat. Some chemicals that have a dramatic developmental effect on rat sexual behaviour, like synthetic estrogens, seem to have much less effect in humans. We do not know when the important brain programming takes place in humans, nor what external influences there can be. Key events might be during pregnancy, soon after birth, in infancy, or even all three. It makes good sense to look further at non-steroidal antinflamatory drugs in this context. In the meantime, we should continue to follow current advice and be cautious.”