Blink reflex prepulse inhibition and excitability recovery: Influence of age and sex

Highlights ► Age and sex may independently affect prepulse inhibition of the blink reflex and blink reflex excitability recovery to paired-pulse stimulation. ► Prepulse inhibition of the blink reflex is more pronounced in males as compared to females – irrespective of age – concurring with previous reports of sex differences in protective reflexes, but also suggesting less rigorous filtering of information flow to the brain in females. ► Reduced blink reflex excitability to paired-pulse stimulation with advancing age – irrespective of sex – may counteract age-related disinhibition of brainstem interneuronal circuitry.