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Lique M. Coolen investigates neural control of reproductive behavior. With William A. Truitt, she tested the role of a lumbar spinal cord neuron population in male rats. Selective destruction using SSP-saporin disrupted ejaculation while leaving other components of sexual behavior intact.^[ref]

The dissociation supported a specific contribution to coordinating ejaculation, rather than merely a general inability to move or mate. It did not establish that the targeted neurons act alone, or that the same manipulation has been demonstrated in humans.

William A. Truitt coauthored an experimental identification of spinal neurons important for ejaculation in male rats. With Lique M. Coolen, he used a toxin targeted to a receptor-bearing lumbar neuron population. Removing these cells disrupted ejaculation while sparing other observed sexual behaviors.^[ref]

The design goes beyond observing neurons active during a behavior: altering the population and measuring a selective behavioral loss tests its causal importance. The result supports a role in a spinal coordinating circuit, while leaving the circuit's other necessary components to be identified.