Input to GnRH1 neurons: Changes in synaptic identity and connectivity at sexual m

描述（由申请方提供）：拟定的实验将使用理想的合适模型系统（非洲慈鲷鱼，Astatotilapia burtoni）测量生殖所需的高度保守的神经内分泌回路的可塑性反应。在雄性A. burtoni，社会地位通过大脑视前区的促性腺激素释放激素（GnRH 1）神经元调节生殖。这些神经元的大小，树突的程度和活动的增加占主导地位，生殖活跃的男性和非占主导地位的男性减少。这些社会地位引起的GnRH1神经元的变化是众所周知的，然而，在这种社会转换过程中发生的功能变化却不是。为了映射功能的变化，我将跟踪神经元的GnRH 1神经元的输入，比较那些性能力占主导地位的男性与那些性不成熟的非占主导地位的男性。我还将对影响每种男性GnRH1神经元的神经递质进行高分辨率组织化学分析。我将使用一种新颖的新技术，阵列断层扫描，它允许在相同的大脑切片上重复免疫细胞化学标记。了解这种独特的模式生物中社会地位变化引起的神经可塑性，将确定社会行为控制生殖系统神经可塑性的机制。性成熟是一个重要的生物学发展，为生物体进入繁殖活跃的成年生活阶段做准备。大脑整合了复杂的社会和环境信息，以启动和管理支持这一事件的神经和激素变化。由于GnRH1系统控制所有脊椎动物（包括人类）的生殖输出和生育能力，因此了解控制大脑生殖结构中塑性变化的机制可能会改善生殖疾病的治疗方法，并改善公共卫生。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed experiments will measure the plastic responses of a highly conserved neuroendocrine circuit necessary for reproduction using an ideally suited model system, the African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni. In male A. burtoni, social status regulates reproduction via gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH1) neurons in the pre-optic area of the brain. The size, dendritic extent and activity of these neurons increase in dominant, reproductively active males and decrease in non dominant males. These social status-induced changes in GnRH1 neurons are well known, however the functional changes that occur during this social conversion are not. To map the functional changes, I will trace neuronal inputs to GnRH1 neurons, comparing those of sexually competent dominant males with those of sexually immature non dominant males. I will also perform a high resolution histochemical analysis of neurotransmitters that influence GnRH1 neurons in each type of male. I will use a novel new technique, array tomography, that allows repeated immunocytochemical labeling on the same brain sections. Understanding the neural plasticity induced by social status change in this uniquely suited model organism will identify the mechanism through which social behavior controls neuronal plasticity of the reproductive system. Sexual maturation is an important biological development that prepares an organism for reproductively active adult life stages. The brain integrates complex social and environmental information to initiate and manage the neural and hormonal changes that support this event. As the GnRH1 system controls reproductive output and fertility in all vertebrates, including humans, understanding the mechanisms that control plastic changes in the reproductive structures of the brain may lead to improved therapies for reproductive disorders, and improve public health.