CAREER: Neural and Endocrine Regulation of Behavioral Differences

小行星9733074 男性和女性是不同的。 大多数物种，包括人类，都是两性异形的。 虽然体型和大小可能是最明显的，但在生理学，神经功能和行为方面存在差异。 相当多的证据表明，在脊椎动物中，在有限的、敏感的发育阶段，性腺分泌的激素区分了两性异形的神经基质。 已经开发了几个模型系统来利用性腺类固醇激素，脑结构和性二态行为之间的关系，包括鸟鸣，大鼠生殖行为，和弱电鱼类的放电模式。 韦德博士开发了一种爬行动物模型系统，以研究大脑中的结构和生化变化如何调节行为。 爬行动物是脊椎动物进化的关键群体，因为它们是哺乳动物和鸟类的直接祖先。 使用各种神经解剖学，行为和经典的内分泌技术，她将解决是什么原因导致男性的行为与女性不同，并破译成年期季节性刺激行为的因素。 此外，作为这项职业奖的一部分，韦德博士将开发一门课程，强调神经解剖学和激素调节行为的比较方面。 她的教学和研究的整合将为学生提供更大的机会，在影响大脑结构和功能的神经和内分泌因素的第一手经验。

9733074 Wade Males and females are different. Most species, including humans, are sexually dimorphic. While body shape and size may be the most apparent, there are differences in physiology, neural function and behavior. Considerable evidence indicates that, in vertebrates, hormones secreted by the gonads during a limited, sensitive stage of development differentiate the neural substrates underlying sexual dimorphism. Several model systems have been developed to exploit the relationship between gonadal steroid hormones, brain structure, and sexually dimorphic behavior including bird song, rat reproductive behavior, and electric discharge patterns of weakly electric fish. Dr. Wade has developed a reptile model system to examine how structural and biochemical changes within the brain regulate behavior. Reptiles are a pivotal group in vertebrate evolution since they are direct ancestors to both mammals and birds. Using a variety of neuroanatomical, behavioral, and classical endocrine techniques, she will address what causes behaviors to be different in males than in females and decipher the factors that stimulate behaviors seasonally in adulthood. Moreover, as part of this CAREER award, Dr. Wade will develop a course emphasizing comparative aspects of neuroanatomical and hormonal regulation of behaviors. The integration of her teaching and research will provide students with a greater opportunity for first-hand experience in the neural and endocrine factors that influence the structure and the function of the brain.