EDRI Federal Project Inventory:
Neuroendocrine Control of Communication
Sponsor Organization: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Project Title: NEUROENDOCRINE CONTROL OF COMMUNICATION
Project Focus: HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS
Description: Odors are one of the most common forms of social communication among
individualsof many species. These odors are effective mechanisms to
communicate informationregarding dominance status and mate choice.
Recent studies have revealed that thepeptide neurotransmitter,
vasopressin, in the medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamicregion of the
brain is involved in odor-induced communication. Dr. Albers research
ischaracterizing the brain circuitry involved in gonadal hormone-
dependent odorantcommunication and is elucidating the role of
glutamate as an additional neurochemicalsubstrate underlying this
behavior. These investigations are providing new informationabout the
basic principles regulating neural and hormonal interactions to
governcomplex mammalian behaviors. In addition, information regarding
the mechanisms ofmate choice and reproductive success in the
laboratory or the wild will be gained fromthese studies.
References:
Category: MODELS
Subcategory: BASIC RESEARCH
Keywords for Experimental System/Species: RODENT, IN VIVO, MAMMALIAN, LABORATORY STUDY
Keywords for Experimental Endpoints: NEUROLOGICAL, REPRODUCTIVE, BREEDING BEHAVIOR, SEX STEROIDS, PEPTIDE
HORMONES,PHYSIOLOGY
Chemical Agents: Sex steroids
Performing Institution: Georgia State University
Contact: H. Elliott Albers, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3044 404
658-2000
