Use of In Situ Hybridization to Study Regulation of LHRU Neuronal Activity

Petersen博士已经获得了一项研究计划拨款，用于改进和验证一项新技术，该技术有望用于测量参与控制行为和垂体功能的单个神经元的活动。利用原位杂交技术，她将能够确定性腺类固醇激素影响大脑中多肽能神经元的解剖学多样性的基本机制。具体来说，彼得森博士将检查黄体生成素释放激素（LHRH）的活性。成熟卵巢卵泡引起的血浆雌激素浓度升高引发LHRH的增加，LHRH被释放到垂体门静脉循环中。LHRH的升高对垂体激素的释放和随后的排卵至关重要。使用这种先进的技术，彼得森博士将识别激活LHRH神经元的雌激素敏感神经系统。这些信息可以用来帮助理解神经元如何制造相同的产物来控制涉及生殖和其他激素调节的生理功能的不同大脑功能。

Dr Petersen has received a research planning grant to refine and validate a new technique which promises to be useful for measuring the activity of individual neurons involved in the control of behavior and pituitary function. Using the in situ hybridization technique, she will be able to determine basic mechanisms by which gonadal steroid hormones can affect anatomically diverse populations of peptidergic neurons in the brain. Specifically, Dr. Peterson will examine the activity of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Rising plasma estrogen concentrations from maturing ovarian follicles trigger an increase in LHRH which is released into the pituitary portal circulation. The rise in LHRH is critical for release of pituitary hormones and subsequently, ovulation. Using this state-of-the-art technique, Dr. Peterson will identify estrogen- sensitive neuronal systems which activate LHRH neurons. This information can be used to help understand how neurons making the same product can control different brain functions involved in reproduction and other hormone-regulated physiological functions.