Abstract
PurposeBiological sex and age are considered as two important factors that may influence the function and structure of the retina, an effect that might be governed by sexual hormones such as estrogen. The purpose of this study was to delineate the influence that biological sex and age exert on the retinal function and structure of rodents and also clarify the effect that the estrus cycle might exert on the retinal function of female rats.MethodThe retinal function of 50 normal male and female albino Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was investigated with the electroretinogram (ERG) at postnatal day (P) 30, 60, 100, 200, and 300 (n = 5–6 male and female rats/age). Following the ERG recording sessions, retinal histology was performed in both sexes. In parallel, the retinal function of premenopausal and menopausal female rats aged P540 were also compared.ResultsSex and age-related changes in retinal structure and function were observed in our animal model. However, irrespective of age, no significant difference was observed in ERG and retinal histology obtained from male and female rats. Notwithstanding the above we did however notice that between P60 and P200 there was a gradual increase in ERG amplitudes of female rats compared to males. Furthermore, the ERG of premenopausal female rats aged 18 months old (P540) was larger compared to age-matched menopausal female rats as well as that of male rats.ConclusionOur results showed that biological sex and age can influence the retinal function and structure of albino SD rats. Furthermore, we showed that cycled female rats have better retinal function compared to the menopausal female rats suggesting a beneficial effect of the estrus cycle on the retinal function.
Highlights
Age and biological sex are two of the most important regulator of our day-to-day body functions, including retinal function
Our results showed that biological sex and age can influence the retinal function and structure of albino SD rats
We showed that cycled female rats have better retinal
Summary
Age and biological sex are two of the most important regulator of our day-to-day body functions, including retinal function. From the structural point of view, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) did reveal sex-related differences in the mean thickness of the retinal layers at the macula. It showed that the Outer Nuclear Layer (ONL), the Outer Plexiform Layer (OPL) and the Inner Nuclear Layer (INL) were thicker in men, while the Nerve Fiber Layer (NFL) was thicker in women [4]. It is thought that sex-related functional and structural differences in body tissues, including the retina, might be governed by the remarkable male-female differences in sex hormone profiles. A possible modulatory effect of the menstrual cycle and the accompanying hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen, was observed on several ocular structures, including the retina [9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
