Changes in sex differences in neuroanatomical structure and cognitive behavior across the life span

Abstract

Sex differences occur in the structure and function of the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus, which can change from the juvenile period through old age. Although the evidence is incomplete, it appears that in at least some portions of the cortex these differences develop due to the rise of ovarian hormones at puberty and are potentially not dependent on the perinatal rise in testosterone, which is essential for sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus and sexual behavior. During aging of female rats, the presence of continued ovarian hormone secretion after cessation of the estrous cycle also influences sex differences in neuroanatomical structure and cognitive behavior, resulting in nullification or reversal of sex differences seen in younger adults. Sex differences can be altered by experience in a stimulating environment during the juvenile/adolescent period, and sex differences in performance even can be affected by the parameters of a task. Thus, broad generalizations about differences such as “spatial ability” are to be avoided. It is clear that to understand how the brain produces behavior, sex and hormones have to be taken into account.