Abstract

Gonadal hormones, both endogenous and exogenous, are implicated in cognition. Yet, the role of gonadal hormones in spatial navigation remains relatively unexplored. While navigating a maze either place memory or response memory can be used. The gonadal hormone 17β-estradiol affects which memory system female rats use during navigation, thus producing a memory bias. Across the menstrual cycle, women's memory bias is also altered. This thesis examined the role of endogenous and exogenous hormones in spatial navigation in both female rats and in women. It was shown that the endogenous hormone, progesterone promoted the use of response memory in females. It was also shown that the exogenous hormones used in hormonal contraceptives impact memory bias in females. However, the impact of these hormones on spatial navigation was different in rats than what was observed in humans. It was also shown that both endogenous and exogenous hormones have different effects depending on whether they are administered alone or in combination. Both endogenous and exogenous gonadal hormones are involved in memory bias during spatial navigation in females.