SEX DIMORPHIC PATTERNS OF CONDITIONED TAS TE-AVERSION AND EXPLORATORYAND DEFENSIVE BEHAVIOR

The patterns of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) and of some other typ es of behaviour were compared in adult male and female Wistar rats. Co rrelations between the CTA variables, on the one hand, and those of th e exploratory and defensive behaviours, on the other, were shown. Fema les displayed initially less expressed CTA and more rapid its extincti on than males. While tested in the open field, in a six-arm radial maz e and in a special enclosed cubic chamber with holes in its vertical w alls the females demonstrated higher levels of exploratory and locomot or activities with lower levels of emotionality and defensive behaviou r than males. Sex differences were revealed in correlations between va riables of CTA and behavioural responses under study. Thus, CTA patter ns appear to be one of the manifestations of sexual dimorphism in nonr eproductive behaviour.