Functional Organization of Hypophysiotropic TRH Neurons

生物体对寒冷环境的反应和哺育幼崽的能力，尽管这些刺激的性质看似不同，但实际上取决于大脑中相同的含有神经化学物质的细胞的激活。这些脑细胞产生的化学物质是一种叫做促甲状腺素释放激素（TRH）的小肽，它通过调节甲状腺激素的分泌来控制新陈代谢。佐勒博士正在评估这些刺激改变大脑中TRH生成的能力。此外，虽然TRH参与了对这些刺激的反应，但似乎产生TRH的不同细胞亚群负责每种反应。利用分子工具，正在探索这些亚群的鉴定。生物体对环境和能量需求的反应机制对所有动物物种的生存都至关重要，就像照顾幼崽的能力一样。对这些区域的大脑机制有了更深入的了解，将有助于我们促进物种在圈养和野外生存的能力。

Zoeller 9514835 The ability of organisms to respond to cold environments and to nurse their young, in spite of the seemingly disparate nature of these stimuli, actually depends on the activation of the same neurochemical-containing cells in the brain. The chemical produced by these brain cells is a small peptide called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which controls metabolism by regulating the secretion of thyroid hormones. Dr. Zoeller is assessing the ability of these stimuli to modify the production of TRH in the brain. Additionally, while TRH is involved in the response to these stimuli, it appears that distinct subpopulations of cells, all producing TRH, are responsible for each response. Using molecular tools, identification of these subpopulations is being explored. The mechanisms involved in organismal responses to the environment and the energy demands place upon them, is critical to the survival of all species of animals, as is the ability to care for their young. A greater understanding of brain mechanisms in these areas will foster our ability to facilitate species survival in captivity and in the wild.