Introduction: Sexual response cycle is modulated by a variety of biological
factors, especially antidepressants and antipsychotics. Although the circuit of
romantic love has recently been delineated, the biological impact on romantic
love is barely mentioned in human, however. Methods: In thus study, a comprehensive
literature review was completed to elucidate the role of central
monoamines, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine,
melatonin and histamine, for the romantic love and relationship in human. Results: The central circuit of romantic love includes the mesolimbic and
mesocortical tract and their extensions widely distributed in cortical, subcortical
and brainstem structures. The activation of brain foci progressively decreases
along with the romantic relationship in many areas, including the bilateral
caudate and ventral tegmentum area without change of passionate love.
Hyperactivity of dopamine and serotonin is suggested at the synaptic level for
romantic love in lovers, probably through an inhibition of transporters or increase
of terminal release. Romantic love can be modulated by antidepressants
or recreational drugs. Polymorphism of dopamine and serotonin receptor relates
to the romantic relationship. The effect of other monoamines is barely
mentioned. Conclusions: Romantic love is vulnerable for secondary effect,
such as drugs which modulate the dopamine and serotonin, in human. Romantic
relationship is also impacted by the polymorphism of monoamine receptors.
Therefore, the biological effect is not limited to sexual response cycle
but also the romantic love and relationship. Further investigation is warranted
for understanding the secondary effect in romantic love for romantic dissolution
or divorce.
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