Influence of age and sex on the behavior of rats deprived of the rearing response.
Rearing on the hind legs, one component of "general activity" was restricted in male and female rats both before (25 days) and after (50 days) the development of this response. In contrast to previous restriction studies the animals were kept in groups and allowed free locomotor activity in the cage environment. After 8 weeks, open-field testing showed that selective restriction decreased the frequency of rearing behavior, particularly unsupported rearing which requires physical coordination and balance. Effects were greater for females (which usually rear more than males) and for animals restricted at weaning (25 days).
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D004328:Drive; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006120:Grooming; D006799:Housing, Animal; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture; D051381:Rats; D012107:Research Design; D012737:Sex Factors