A re-examination of sex differences in axon density and number in the splenium of the rat corpus callosum

Abstract

Previous work from our laboratory reported a sex difference in axon number in the splenium of the adult rat corpus callosum [13]. However, the cortical origin of the axons that were sampled is unknown and sex differences may exist in the topography of axons in this area. The present study revisits the issue of sex differences in axon number in the splenium. First, the topographical organization of axons in the splenium was investigated. Rats each received single intracortical injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The location of HRP labelled fibers in the corpus callosum was compared across the various injection sites. There is a rostrocaudal organization of axons in the splenium based on rostral to caudal cortical location that does not vary by sex. Second, visual axons, which comprise the posterior fifth (relative to overall length) of the corpus callosum in both sexes, were thoroughly sampled with electron microscopy. Significant dorsoventral and rostrocaudal variation in myelinated and unmyelinated axon density was found. While axon density varied to some extent depending on the sex of the animal, axon number calculations revealed no sex differences in total axon number. Males, however, had significantly more myelinated axons than females. Thus, sex differences in axon density in the adult rat splenium were regional and did not result in overall sex differences in axon number.