2. STEROID HORMONES
AND NERVOUS SYSTEM:
experimental studies to investigate
the role of androgens and estrogens
for the development of sexually
dimorphic structures and behaviors
within the central nervous system

3. WE WANT TO…
…INVESTIGATE SOME
NEUROPEPTIDES OR
NEUROTRANSMITTERS
SYSTEMS IN HIGHER
VERTEBRATES:
• vasopressin-vasotocin system
• nitric oxide synthase system
• endocrine disrupters- neural
circuits- behavior
http://psicologipsicologiaedintorni.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/lente_ingrandimento1.jpg

4. VASOPRESSIN-VASOTOCIN
PARVOCELLULAR SYSTEM
•Sexually dimorphic peptidergic system
•Extremenly sensitive to gonadal hormones
We are currently investigating the
differentiation of this system in both mammals
(rat, mouse) and birds (Japanese quail)

5. NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE
SYSTEM
• control of sexual behavior
• sexually dimorphic in rodens
We are currently investigating the effects of
estrous cycle on this system

6. ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS-
NEURAL CIRCUITS AN
BEHAVIOR
We are currently investigating the alterations of
investigative, social (in mice) and sexual (in
mice and birds) behaviors and associated neural
circuits following exposure to synthetic or
natural endocrine disrupters