Neuroanatomy of Peptides in the Mating Behavior Pathway

这项少数群体研究启动（MRI）计划拨款将利用神经解剖学技术来确定哺乳动物速激肽，物质P和物质K在雄性交配行为的类固醇调节中的作用。初步研究结果表明，在交配行为通路的三个关键区域：杏仁核内侧核、尾纹床核和内侧视前区，性腺类固醇调节P物质的产生。本研究旨在通过使用逆行和顺行示踪剂识别含有P物质的神经元在交配行为通路中的连接来扩展这些发现。

This Minority Research Initiation (MRI) planning grant will utilize neuroanatomical techniques to determine the role of the mammalian tachykinin, Substance P and Substance K, in the steroidal regulation of male mating behavior. Results from preliminary studies indicate that Substance P production is regulated by gonadal steriods in three critical areas of the mating behavior pathway: the medial nucleus of the amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the medial preoptic area. This research is intended to extend these findings by identifying the connections of Substance P containing neurons within the mating behavior pathway using retrograde and anterograde tracers.