The Neuroendocrinology of Plasticity

9309555格罗伯促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)是1971年从大脑中分离出来的一种十肽，目前已被证明至少以五种不同的形式存在。此外，随着先进抗体技术的发展，GnRH神经元网络被证明是一个复杂的、异质的系统，由三个或更多不同的神经元组组成，横跨大脑中非常不同的区域。虽然已知GnRH参与控制所有脊椎动物的生殖行为和生理，但不同脑区中不同GnRH多肽的具体功能尚未确定。格罗伯博士将研究一种表现出超常水平的性可塑性的脊椎动物作为他的模型系统，从而提供一个绝佳的机会来研究社会互动如何通过内分泌系统引发深刻的行为和生理变化。他将结合分子、细胞和现场内分泌学技术来确定GnRH在性可塑性中的作用。格罗伯博士将研究GnRH基因表达与生理和行为变化之间的关系。他将展示GnRH在哪里形成，有多少形成，在什么条件下形成。这种综合的方法与独特的模型系统相结合，将为了解GnRH在生殖成熟、生理和行为的基本机制中所起的作用提供重要的见解。***

9309555 Grober Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide that was isolated from brain in 1971 and has now been shown to exist in at least five different multiple forms. Further, with the development of sophisticated antibody technology, the GnRH neuronal network was demonstrated to be a complex, heterogenous system, comprising three or more distinct neuronal groups and spanning vastly different regions of the brain. While it is known that GnRH is involved in the control of reproductive behavior and physiology in all vertebrates, specific functions for the different GnRH peptides within the different brain regions have yet to be identified. Dr. Grober will examine a vertebrate that exhibits exceptional levels of sexual plasticity as his model system, thus providing an excellent opportunity to investigate how social interactions can trigger profound behavioral and physiological changes via the endocrine system. He will combine molecular, cellular and field endocrinological techniques to determine the role of GnRH in sexual plasticity. Dr. Grober will examine the relationship between GnRH gene expression and changes in physiology and behavior. He will show where and how much GnRH is formed and under what conditions. This integrative approach coupled with an unique model system will provide important insights into the role that GnRH plays in basic mechanisms underlying reproductive maturation, physiology and behavior. ***