Several components of the limbic system are activated during male sexual behavior, as reflected by increased expression of the immediate early gene c-fos. In particular, mating or mating-associated environmental cues induce Fos in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Previously, data from our lab demonstrated that the mPFC is not necessary for the expression of sexual motivation or performance (Davis et al, SFN 2003). Instead we hypothesized that the mPFC is necessary for the formation of conditioned aversion associated with male sexual behavior. The current study investigated the hypothesis that the mPFC is necessary for the acquisition of copulation contingent aversive conditioning to Lithium Chloride (LiCl). Ibotenic acid was used to lesion both the prelimbic and infralimbic components of the mPFC in sexually experienced males. Lesioned and sham (mPFC vehicle injected) animals were then subjected to 10 consecutive conditioning sessions during which 0.15M LiCl (20ml/kg) was paired with ejaculation by sys...