Sex differences in electrocortical activity in human neonates.
Cerebral cortical activity in healthy, full-term human neonates (10 boys and 10 girls) was evaluated using spectral estimation of electroencephalogram frequency content with new equipment and analysis technique allowing the assessment of the lowest frequencies (i.e. infraslow waves). The activity was analysed under quiet sleep and active wakefulness taking sex into consideration. During sleep, the mean amount of infraslow activity was 27% larger in boys, whereas during wakefulness the average amount of higher frequencies was 17% larger in girls. Both these differences indicate an earlier maturation of cortical function in girls than in boys.
Thordstein
Magnus
M
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. magnus.thordstein@neuro.gu.se
Löfgren
Nils
N
Flisberg
Anders
A
Lindecrantz
Kaj
K
Kjellmer
Ingemar
I
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000502:physiology