Magnetic auditory M100 source location in normal females

We recorded magnetoencephalographic auditory evoked fields from the left and right hemispheres of six normal adult female subjects, in response to unattended tone pips. Magnetic field data was used to estimate location, orientation, depth, and strength of the 100-ms latency evoked field component (M100). M100 source locations did not significantly differ in left and right hemispheres. Previous studies in six normal males demonstrated M100 sources to be significantly further anterior in the right hemisphere. Compared to the previously reported male subjects, M100 sources in the right hemisphere of these females were significantly further posteriorly, by a mean value of 2.1 cm. These findings, while preliminary, support sex-related functional and/or structural differences in the superior temporal lobe, and would be compatible with the female right temporal planum extending further posteriorly. They suggest MEG recordings may be a useful addition to studies of sex-related difference in brain function and/or structure.