Can Rats Change Their Gender?
WouterSome researchers have found that male and female rats can change their gender in response to environmental conditions, which may increase their reproductive success. This phenomenon is known as polygynandrous, which means that the rat will mate with both sexes, but it is not understood exactly why it happens. Nonetheless, a 2008 study suggested that rats exposed to estrogen change from male to female. However, this change in gender is not permanent, and the rat will switch back to its original gender when hormone levels return to normal.
Rats’ genitalia become visible once they reach around five weeks of age, and it is easy to determine their gender. Male rats will have furry testicles at the base of their tails, while female rats will have no visible genitalia. The male rat will be larger than the female, and will probably have a larger head.
While it is still unclear whether or not male or female rats can change their gender, researchers have already found that male rats can hear the difference between male and female voices. They also show distinct reactions to the sounds of male and female voices. These findings are a step in the right direction, and could ultimately lead to more effective treatments for gender dysphoria.
Interestingly, this study also showed that male and female rats can change their sex by modifying their genes. Researchers used DNA methyltransferase inhibitors to alter the rat’s gene expression. These inhibitors mimic the effects of estradiol, a hormone commonly used to treat menopause. The study showed that high levels of DNMT were required to preserve the female brain.
