Rodent sex differences in emotional and related behavior1

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6773(75)90636-7Get rights and content

Rodent sex differences in the following tests are reviewed: the open field, emergence from the home cage, active and passive avoidance learning, reaction to shock, and heart rate responses to novelty. Endocrine bases for differences in particular tests measures are also reviewed. A more detailed discussion is then presented of possible causal factors underlying the sex differences as an alternative to an “emotionality” or “fearfulness” explanation. It is argued that the latter ignores the influence of motivational variables other than “fear” on the test measures, and that such variables are responsible for many of the observed sex differences. Defecation in relation to food intake, defecation as a marking response, odors and open field behavior, and motor activity affected by estrogen, are each discussed in relation to their possible influence on test measures. It is also argued that the two sexes show different forms of fear responding (males showing a tendency to become immobile and females to escape), and possible causal factors for these differences are suggested. Differences in the intensity of fear responses, in situations where these other influences are minimal, are then considered. Suggestions for future work are discussed.

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      This is more significant when it comes to behavioral studies. Due to Archer (1975) study, female rodents demonstrate larger ambulation and exploration in the open field test, faster latencies when facing new places, and quicker active avoidance learning acquisition. Female rats also show reduced freezing in contextual fear training (Maren et al., 1994) and are more resistant to fear conditioning (Maren et al., 1994).

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    1

    Supported by a Grant from the Medical Research Council of U.K., to Professor R. J. Andrew. I thank Professor Andrew, Dr. P. A. Russell (University of Aberdeen) and a perceptive reviewer, for their helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper.

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