[Sexual dimorphism in the role of the left and right hemispheres of rats in controlling pain sensitivity].

The effect of unilateral cortical spreading depression on the threshold and latency of pain vocalisation was studied in male and female Wistar rats. The effect involved a reduction of the latency both in male and female rats. However, the left inactivation latency was shorter than the right one in male rats. Thresholds were also reduced but only in male rats and for the left inactivation alone. The data obtained suggest an inter-hemisphere asymmetry in the cortical control of pain sensitivity in male Wistar rats.