Dimensional sex differences in the cerebellum of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus – waterhouse, 1840)

Abstract

Numerous scientific studies have revealed a number of striking sex differences in the mammalian cerebella. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of sex on 12 cerebella (6 males and 6 females) and also its relationship to other body variables in adult African giant pouched rats using a quantitative morphometric method. The results showed that cerebellum mean weight was slightly higher in females (0.82 ± 0.03 g) than males (0.76 ± 0.02 g). In females, the cerebellum weight was strongly positively correlated with the brain (r = 0.95) and the head (r = -0.49) weights. In males, the cerebellum weight was positively correlated with the body (r = 0.81), the head (r = 0.37) and brain (r = 0.30) weights. Generally, cerebellum weight and dimensions in both sexes tended to be positively correlated with the body, the head and the brain. In conclusion, the cerebellum in females may be estimated accurately from the brain mass, while in males, it may be used to estimate the body mass.