Sex Differences and Right-Left Asymmetries in Rat Hippocampal Components

Abstract

Previous reports have indicated morphologic hippocampal asymmetry in thickness in male and female rats. In the present study, the possible sex differences and right-left asymmetries in rat hippocampal components were investigated. Pyramidal cells in four hippocampal sectors on thionin-stained sections were counted and the thickness of the hippocampal components was measured on microslide-projected images. The present study showed significant sexual dimorphism in two hippocampi as well as asymmetry in male. These findings agree with those found in humans.