Albers 9514802 Odors are one of the most common forms of social communication among individuals of many species. These odors are effective mechanisms to communicate information regarding dominance status and mate choice. Recent studies have revealed that the peptide neurotransmitter, vasopressin, in the medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic region of the brain is involved in odor-induced communication. Dr. Albers research is characterizing the brain circuitry involved in gonadal hormone-dependent odorant communication and is elucidating the role of glutamate as an additional neurochemical substrate underlying this behavior. These investigations are providing new information about the basic principles regulating neural and hormonal interactions to govern complex mammalian behaviors. In addition, information regarding the mechanisms of mate choice and reproductive success in the laboratory or the wild will be gained from these studies.