Neural and hormonal control of visceral systems

我的总体研究兴趣在昆虫神经生物学/生理学领域。我感兴趣的是生殖系统，以及其他昆虫内脏肌肉系统，是如何被神经和激素信号调节和整合的。为此，我的研究实验室开发了模型系统，在这个模型系统中，我们已经确定了与农业害虫迁徙蝗（Locusta migratoria）和恰加斯病（Chagas’s disease）医学上重要的病媒长Rhodnius prolixus的生殖系统相关的组织的运动和调节输入。神经活性物质已被确定与生殖系统的神经支配有关，也已被证明与消化系统和循环系统有关。由于昆虫的营养状况影响生殖状态，因此这些系统之间存在着不可分割的联系，心脏在昆虫体内循环营养和神经激素。

My overall research interests lie within the field of insect neurobiology/physiology. I am interested in the means by which the reproductive system, and indeed, other insect visceral muscle systems, are regulated and integrated by both neural and hormonal signals. To this end my research laboratory has developed model systems in which we have identified the motor and modulatory input onto tissues associated with the reproductive systems of the agricultural pest, Locusta migratoria, and in the medically-important vector of Chagas' disease, Rhodnius prolixus. Neuroactive substances have been identified associated with the innervation of the reproductive system and have also been shown to be associated with the digestive and the circulatory system. There is an integral link between these systems since the nutritional state of the insect influences the reproductive state, and the heart circulates nutrient and neurohormones throughout the insect.