The sexual difference of aging-associated functional degradation in visual cortical cells of rats

Function of visual cortical cells declines during normal aging. Whether there are sex-related differences in this functional degradation is still unknown. In the present study we compared the properties of adaptation, onset latency, and signal-to-noise ratio of visual cortical cells between age-matched sexes in order to investigate any sex related difference. Our results show that visual cortical cell function did not differ between young male and young female rats. However, compared with female rats in the same age, the signal-to-noise ratio, but not adaptation or onset latency, was significantly impaired in mid-aged and aged male rats. These results indicate that the functional degradation of visual cortical cells to some extent is associated with sex and therefore, could contribute for the differential degree of cognitive decline that occurs in males and females during senescence.

Research highlights▶ We found visual cortical cell function did not differ between young male and young female rats. ▶ The signal-to-noise ratio, but not adaptation or onset latency, was significantly impaired in mid-aged and aged male rats when compared to age-matched female rats. ▶ Our results suggest that the functional degradation of visual cortical cells to some degree is associated with sex.