Phytochemical Endocrinology

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There are clear suggestions that elements of the diet influence the physiology of reproduction in primates, including humans. Some plant chemicals mimic the actions of animal steroids and therefore may directly influence reproductive function and even development. This project will develop a set of methods appropriate for investigating these actions in a natural setting. The investigator will develop three lines of analysis. First, she will directly assay phytochemical in plants foods eaten by humans and primates. Second, she will attempt to develop a steroid analysis reproductive function in natural populations via fecal steroid analysis, validating these results by comparing them with serum profiles. The third line of analysis will relate phytochemical intake to reproductive responses.