The goal of Dr. Clemens' research is to understand connections between the brain and the spinal cord of nerve cells that are involved in the control of reproductive behavior. Specific tracer substances will be used to define such pathways at both the light and electron microscopic levels. The neurochemical characteristics of the pathways and the effects of hormonal manipulations on the nerve cells will also be studied. Knowledge about this neural system under normal conditions is a prerequisite to understanding changes that can occur when the system is dysfunctional such as may happen with aging. This research will contribute to basic understanding of the role of the nervous system in reproductive function.
