Effect of intrauterine position on sex differences in the gabaergic system and behavior of rats.

In multiparous species such as the rat (in this case the albino Wistar strain), steroid influence during fetal growth is affected by the relative intrauterine position of male and female fetuses and is stronger when the potential effects of contiguity and caudal position are combined. The effect of intrauterine position on gonadal steroid levels in neonatal and adult animals was examined using radioimmunoassay techniques. Since the organizing effect of prenatal steroids may influence the postnatal GABA content, HPLC was used to determine the gabaergic content in several hypothalamic and limbic areas in the adult rat.

Cannabinoid effects on anxiety-related behaviours and hypothalamic neurotransmitters.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the cannabinoid agonist CP 55,940 and the antagonist SR 141716A, alone and in combination, on rat exploratory and anxiety-like behaviour in the holeboard and elevated plus-maze tests. A further aim was to evaluate the effects of these treatments on hypothalamic neurotransmitters. Animals treated with CP 55,940 doses of 0.

The effects of acute treatment with delta9-THC on exploratory behaviour and memory in the rat.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) on exploratory behaviour and memory, independent of its locomotor suppressive effects. Dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) contents were determined in the areas of the brain directly related to such behaviours (hippocampus, striatum and amygdala). An acute dose of delta9-THC led to a decrease in exploratory parameters and motor activity during the holeboard test.

Effect of prenatal uterine position on male and female rats sexual behavior.

It is well known that female rats developing close to a male in utero show a higher frequency of heterotypical or male-like behavior in adulthood, and have longer anogenital distances. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the in utero masculine influence on the homotypical sexual behavior of male and female rats. Also explored was the influence on body weight on Gestation Day 21 (day of cesarean delivery) and 21, 40.