Although high levels of glucocorticoids are commonly linked to stress and impaired reproduction, there are species which show elevations in these steroids during breeding readiness. In musk shrews interactions between males and females are marked by an initial aggressive phase, followed by a rapid transition to receptivity and copulation. Studies will examine interactions between the adrenal glucocorticoids and reproduction in male and female musk shrews. The primary hypotheses are that adrenal steroids increase during breeding interactions, facilitate display of sexual behavior and modify the neuronal substrates that influence reproductive success. New radio-immunoassays will be developed to measure glucocorticoids over the course of a mating bout. Classic removal and replacement techniques will be used to determine if glucocorticoids facilitate the display of sexual behavior. The distribution of glucocorticoid receptors in the musk shrew brain will be assessed. Double antibody immunocytochemistry will be conducted to locate GnRH containing- cells that may be directly affected by glucocorticoids via glucocorticoid receptors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH011534-03
Application #
2824714
Study Section
Psychobiology, Behavior, and Neuroscience Review Committee (PBN)
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
1998-10-02
Project End
Budget Start
1998-10-02
Budget End
1999-06-26
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Virginia
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001910777
City
Charlottesville
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
22904