09/25/2026
Psych students present their research at the SigX Showcase.
Abstract: Circulating gonadal hormones interact with neural pathways to influence learning and motivated behaviors. In humans, fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones across the phases of the menstrual cycle have been associated with changes in cognition and reward processing. In rodents, a similar hormonal fluctuation occurs across the four phase estrous cycle, providing a compelling model for investigating how s*x hormones affect learning and behavior. Despite increasing recognition of s*x as a biological variable, existing preclinical research relies heavily on male models, resulting in a limited understanding of the interactions between reproductive hormones and motivated behaviors. To address this gap, we examined the relationship among biological s*x, estrous stage, and sucrose seeking in Sprague Dawley rats. Female (n=10) and male (n=6) rats were trained to press a lever to receive a sucrose pellet reward before undergoing extinction and cue-induced reinstatement testing. Estrous stage was determined prior to each daily session using vaginal lavage and cell suspension. An ancillary goal of the present experiment was to better establish cell-suspension protocols for accessible and efficient estrous tracking. Mapping the relationship among s*x, reproductive hormones, and sucrose-seeking behaviors will allow us to better characterize the underlying biological mechanisms of reward-seeking behaviors, improve the generalizability of preclinical models, and inform strategies for optimizing learning across hormonal states.
Gustavus Adolphus College
