In many mammals, including human beings, similar mechanisms regulate reproduction. The purpose of Dr. Carter's research is to examine the role of social and endocrine factors in the regulation of male reproductive behavior. Dr. Carter has selected a highly social, monogamous rodent, the prairie vole, as a model system for analyzing the interaction of behavior and physiology as determinants of reproduction. Voles are agricultural pests and are known for dramatic fluctuations in their population levels. Dr. Carter will study prairie voles in the laboratory, and also in nature to validate her research findings under natural conditions. Of particular interest in these animals is the finding that parents are capable of inhibiting the reproductive maturity of their offspring. In addition, preliminary findings suggest that female voles can induce hormonal changes in their male partners. These studies will contribute to our knowledge of the role of behavior as a regulator of reproductive endocrinology and also will extend our understanding of the basic mechanisms through which hormones may act in the nervous system to influence behavior. In addition, Dr. Carter's research will yield new information about the role of social factors in population regulation in mammals. The results of these studies will contribute information of fundamental importance in medicine, the neurosciences, and ecology, and may eventually enhance our knowledge of factors that inhibit reproduction in endangered species.
