The focus of the proposed research is to understand the neuroendocrine mechanisms of reproductive communication in the green treefrog (Hyla cinerea). The project will, first, examine the calling behavior of hormonally manipulated males. Hormones suspected to influence calling behavior such as arginine vasotocin (AVT), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) will be administered via intraperitoneal injection and androgen influences will be examined using receptor blockers and castration. Second, animals with different behavioral patterns will be examined for differences in neurohistology. Neuropeptide systems such as AVT, NPY and GnRH will be examined in addition to catecholamine systems using immunohistological techniques. Third, the effect of the hormone manipulations described above, on the electrophysiological response of auditory nuclei will be investigated. Extracellular mulitcell recordings will be used to test auditory thresholds of manipulated males. Understanding basic neurobiological processes in non-mammalian organisms, such as amphibians, that retain most of the aspects of the same systems in mammals can provide a simplified model for clinical disorders and treatments.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31GM066547-01
Application #
6552604
Study Section
Minority Programs Review Committee (MPRC)
Program Officer
Zlotnik, Hinda
Project Start
2002-08-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-08-01
Budget End
2003-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$26,838
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Austin
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Austin
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78712
Miranda, Jason A; Wilczynski, Walter (2009) Sex differences and androgen influences on midbrain auditory thresholds in the green treefrog, Hyla cinerea. Hear Res 252:79-88
Miranda, Jason A; Wilczynski, Walter (2009) Female reproductive state influences the auditory midbrain response. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 195:341-9