Prolactin (PRL) is a clinically important pituitary hormone and neuropeptide which has been implicated in the expression of a variety of vertebrate behavior patterns. In the vast majority of cases, however, the specificity and site(s) of PRL action, and the relationship between PRL dose and behavioral response remain unknown. Accordingly, the proposed research would characterize in detail the relationship between PRL and several different PRL-sensitive behaviors in a single species, the ring dove (Streptopelia risoria). This species is ideally suited for these studies because: 1) there is more evidence for the existence of PRL-dependent behavior patterns in the ring dove than in other vertebrates, and 2) there is evidence for both central and peripheral sites of action of PRL in promoting various behavior changes in this species. Three PRL-dependent behaviors would be explored. 1) PRL-induced ingestive behavior: The time course, dose-response properties and specificity of PRL's centrally mediated action on food and water intake would be characterized following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of purified ovine PRL. To provide a neuroendocrine correlate of PRL's behavioral actions, parallel studies would be conducted on PRL-induced suppression of gonadotropin secretion, which also appears to be centrally mediated. 2) PRL-induced parental behavior: The effects of ICV injections of PRL on parental behavior in non-breeding doves would be tested to determine whether the increase in parental behavior which is observed following systemic injection of the hormone is due to a direct action of PRL on the brain or to effects on peripheral target organs. 3) PRL effects on incubation behavior: A study would be conducted to determine if subcutaneous PRL injections can prevent the decline and early termination of sitting activity which normally occurs in doves which are separated from their mates during the early incubation period. Clarification of PRL's role in maintaining ongoing incubation will help to interpret previous findings that PRL maintains readiness to incubate in nest-deprived doves. Collectively, the proposed experiments would contribute significantly towards an understanding of the behavioral and neuroendocrine pathology of hyperprolactinemia in men and women and should further our knowledge of the mechanism of neuroleptic drug action. These results will also help in formulating general principles of neuropeptide and protein hormone action on behavior.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01MH041447-01
Application #
3380040
Study Section
(BPNB)
Project Start
1986-09-01
Project End
1989-08-31
Budget Start
1986-09-01
Budget End
1987-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Department
Type
Graduate Schools
DUNS #
City
Milwaukee
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53201
Mantei, Kristen E; Ramakrishnan, Selvakumar; Sharp, Peter J et al. (2008) Courtship interactions stimulate rapid changes in GnRH synthesis in male ring doves. Horm Behav 54:669-75
Ramakrishnan, S; Strader, A D; Wimpee, B et al. (2007) Evidence for increased neuropeptide Y synthesis in mediobasal hypothalamus in relation to parental hyperphagia and gonadal activation in breeding ring doves. J Neuroendocrinol 19:163-71
Koch, Kristin A; Wingfield, John C; Buntin, John D (2004) Prolactin-induced parental hyperphagia in ring doves: are glucocorticoids involved? Horm Behav 46:498-505
Strader, April D; Schioth, Helgi B; Buntin, John D (2003) The role of the melanocortin system and the melanocortin-4 receptor in ring dove (Streptopelia risoria) feeding behavior. Brain Res 960:112-21
Strader, A D; Buntin, J D (2003) Changes in agouti-related peptide during the ring dove breeding cycle in relation to prolactin and parental hyperphagia. J Neuroendocrinol 15:1046-53
Koch, Kristin A; Wingfield, John C; Buntin, John D (2002) Glucocorticoids and parental hyperphagia in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria). Horm Behav 41:9-21
Strader, A D; Buntin, J D (2001) Neuropeptide-Y: a possible mediator of prolactin-induced feeding and regulator of energy balance in the ring dove (Streptopelia risoria). J Neuroendocrinol 13:386-92
Gamoke, C A; Moore, J C; Buntin, J D (2000) Motivational influences underlying prolactin-induced feeding in doves (Streptopelia risoria). Behav Neurosci 114:963-71
Ramesh, R; Kuenzel, W J; Buntin, J D et al. (2000) Identification of growth-hormone- and prolactin-containing neurons within the avian brain. Cell Tissue Res 299:371-83
Wang, Q; Buntin, J D (1999) The roles of stimuli from young, previous breeding experience, and prolactin in regulating parental behavior in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria). Horm Behav 35:241-53

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