Stress in Wild Animals

罗梅罗9612534 生命的一个重要特征是有机体与环境的相互作用。 不幸的是，并不是所有的这种相互作用都是良性的，为了使生物体生存，必须以某种方式改善有害或压力刺激的影响。 脊椎动物对有害刺激的反应是一系列的行为和激素反应，统称为应激反应。 应激反应对生存至关重要，因为即使是轻微的伤害性刺激也会导致无法做出反应的动物死亡。 不幸的是，长期暴露在压力下会导致多种有害影响，包括脑细胞死亡。 据推测，必须在需要压力反应以在有害刺激中生存和控制压力反应以防止有害影响之间取得平衡。 罗梅罗博士最近的研究表明，一些物种季节性地控制压力反应。 目前的研究正在调查的新机制，这种独特的季节性调节的行为和激素成分的压力反应发生。 这些研究为我们理解应激反应的基本神经内分泌调节做出了重要的新贡献。 此外，这些研究将为野生物种的生长、繁荣和繁殖所采用的生理策略提供重要的新见解。

Romero 9612534 One of the defining features of life is the interaction of an organism with its environment. Unfortunately, not all such interactions are benign and the effects of noxious or stressful stimuli must somehow be ameliorated in order for an organism to survive. Vertebrates react to noxious stimuli with a suite of behavioral and hormonal responses, collectively called the stress response. The stress response is crucial for survival since even mildly noxious stimuli can cause death in animals unable to respond. Unfortunately, long-term exposure to stress can lead to a multitude of deleterious effects, including brain cell death. Presumably, a balance must be struck between needing a stress response to survive a noxious stimuli and controlling that stress response to prevent deleterious effects. Recent studies by Dr. Romero have suggested that some species seasonally control stress responses. The present studies are investigating the novel mechanisms by which this unique seasonal regulation of the behavioral and hormonal components of the stress response occurs. These studies are making important new contributions to our understanding of the basic neuroendocrine regulation of the stress response. In addition, the studies will provide significant new insights into the physiological strategies employed by species in the wild to grow, prosper and reproduce.