Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

12-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Experimental Psychology

First Advisor

Mario Gil

Second Advisor

Jesse Acosta

Third Advisor

Liza Talavera-Garza

Abstract

The female reproductive system plays a significant role in cognitive function in humans and animals. For this reason, it is important to study the estrous cycle and memory in the female Syrian hamster as a model to better understand its role on cognition. Like the human female menstrual cycle, the female hamster has inconsistencies and changes in their cycles as they age. Irregular menstrual cycles and the absence of estrogen, the sex hormone necessary for supporting the sexual and reproductive health of a woman, also affect a woman’s brain, including memory (John Hopkins Medicine, 2022). In the present study, we first investigated the estrous cycle patterns of the Syrian Hamster. Using Orsini’s (1961) protocol, we cycled three different aged cohorts to test the hypothesis that there would be differences in the patterns of the estrous cycle as the hamster's age. Results supported our hypothesis of differences in the pattern of the female cycle dependent on age. Second, we investigated the circadian rhythm of the same group of subjects to show any differences in activity for 24 hours. Results showed no sex or age differences. Third, we used a hole board apparatus to test short-term memory and the role of the estrous cycle. Results demonstrated no significant differences between cycle days. For the last study, we took a qualitative look at estrogen levels in different brain areas, with results showing significant differences between males and females.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Laura Emma Garcia.

https://proquest.com/docview/3153361795

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