Fig. 1

Novel object recognition (NOR) test after the administration of osanetant or vehicle. A Schematic representation of the behavioral procedure. B Males and females’ preference test between the two objects used in the test. C, E Familiarization phase of the NOR task in males before receiving osanetant (5 or 10 mg/kg) or vehicle. D NOR test after receiving 5 mg/kg or vehicle after familiarization in males. F NOR test after receiving 10 mg/kg or vehicle after familiarization in males. G, I Familiarization phase of the NOR task in females (proestrus) before receiving osanetant (5 or 10 mg/kg) or vehicle. H NOR test after receiving 5 mg/kg or vehicle after familiarization in females (proestrus). J NOR test after receiving 10 mg/kg or vehicle after familiarization in females (proestrus). The recognition index is calculated by dividing the time exploring the novel object by the total time of exploration and expressed as a percentage. The dashed line in each graph represents 50% of the relative exploration time. K Representative heatmaps of the NOR test showing males that received vehicle or osanetant (10 mg/kg). L Representative heatmaps of the NOR test showing females (proestrus) that received vehicle or osanetant (10 mg/kg). Data were analyzed using Three-way ANOVA for the familiarization phase (Sex × Object × Treatment) or Two-way ANOVA (Sex × Treatment). *p < 0.05. Obj1 = Object 1; Obj2 = Object 2