Although plasticity of the nervous systems has been viewed as the property of the development central nervous system, increasing evidence indicate that the adult brain has great potential for modulation of functional organization and at least part of this reflects hormonal effects. The hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system has proved to be a useful model to study environmentally induced neural plasticity. Under conditions of increased physiological demand such as lactation, parturition and dehydration, neurosecretory cells in the supraoptic nucleus and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus undergo morphological changes reflecting an increase in manufacture and release of neuropeptide hormones from the pituitary. Dr. Beagley will determine whether non-painful stressors can change the ultrastructural features of cells in these specific regions of the hypothalamus. Undergraduates will be involved extensively in these experiments and will learn state-of-the-art anatomical techniques including ultramicrotomy and electron microscopic (EM) procedures. This project will not only generate important new information about how physiological and psychological stressors result in rapid morphological changes in the brain but also provides an excellent opportunity for students to become exposed to exciting and timely research problem.
