CAREER: Neural and Endocrine Regulation of Behavioral Differences

9733074韦德男女不同。大多数物种，包括人类，都是两性二态的。虽然体型和大小可能是最明显的，但在生理、神经功能和行为上也存在差异。大量证据表明，在脊椎动物中，性腺在一个有限的、敏感的发育阶段分泌的激素分化了两性二型性的神经基质。已经开发了几个模型系统来探索性腺类固醇激素、大脑结构和两性二态行为之间的关系，包括鸟类鸣叫、大鼠繁殖行为和弱电鱼的放电模式。韦德博士开发了一个爬行动物模型系统来研究大脑中的结构和生化变化是如何调节行为的。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系祖先。利用各种神经解剖学、行为学和经典内分泌技术，她将探讨导致男性与女性行为不同的原因，并破译成年期季节性刺激行为的因素。此外，作为CAREER奖的一部分，Wade博士将开设一门课程，强调神经解剖学和激素调节行为的比较方面。她的教学与科研的结合将为学生提供更大的机会，亲身体验影响大脑结构和功能的神经和内分泌因素。

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.