Romero 9612534 One of the defining features of life is the interaction of an organism with its environment. Unfortunately, not all such interactions are benign and the effects of noxious or stressful stimuli must somehow be ameliorated in order for an organism to survive. Vertebrates react to noxious stimuli with a suite of behavioral and hormonal responses, collectively called the stress response. The stress response is crucial for survival since even mildly noxious stimuli can cause death in animals unable to respond. Unfortunately, long-term exposure to stress can lead to a multitude of deleterious effects, including brain cell death. Presumably, a balance must be struck between needing a stress response to survive a noxious stimuli and controlling that stress response to prevent deleterious effects. Recent studies by Dr. Romero have suggested that some species seasonally control stress responses. The present studies are investigating the novel mechanisms by which this unique seasonal regulation of the behavioral and hormonal components of the stress response occurs. These studies are making important new contributions to our understanding of the basic neuroendocrine regulation of the stress response. In addition, the studies will provide significant new insights into the physiological strategies employed by species in the wild to grow, prosper and reproduce.
