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EDRI Federal Project Inventory:
Neuroendocrine Integration of Environmental Information
- Sponsor Organization: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
- Project Title: NEUROENDOCRINE INTEGRATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
- Project Focus: ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
- Description: Numerous animals integrate various cues from the environment to
predict the arrivalof improving conditions associated with spring.
Arguably the most critical cue ischanging daylength, which is
responsible for enhancing numerous behaviors including communicative
behaviors. Increasing daylength also fosters marked chemical
changesin the brain associated with the behavioral changes. In these
receptive animals,secondary features may potentiate the positive
aspects of increasing daylength. However, increasing daylength after a
period of time precipitates the development ofrefractoriness which
terminates behavioral enhancement and brain neurochemicalchanges. Dr.
Gregory Ball is assessing the interplay between daylength and
secondarycharacteristics in fostering seasonal behavioral changes.
The studies include anidentification of the neuronal circuitry
responsible for mediation of the behavioralchanges in the animals, as
well as a demonstration of the specific secondary cues towhich the
animals respond. Studies to this point have not identified specific
features ofthe environment other than daylength as enhancers of
behavioral activity. Thesestudies will be useful to understanding the
survival of species in their nature habitatsand the environmental cues
to which they are most responsive.
- References:
- Category: MODELS
- Subcategory: BASIC RESEARCH
- Keywords for Experimental System/Species: AVIAN, IN VIVO, LABORATORY STUDY,
- Keywords for Experimental Endpoints: NEUROLOGICAL, REPRODUCTIVE, SEX STEROIDS, BREEDING BEHAVIOR,
MOLECULAR,PHYSIOLOGY, PEPTIDE HORMONES, HORMONAL MEASURES
- Chemical Agents: Sex Steroids
- Performing Institution: Johns Hopkins University
- Contact: Gregory F Ball, Charles & 34th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 301
338-8000, gball@jhuvms.hcf.jhu.edu
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