We study the role of the adrenocortical system on
hypothalamic regulation of feeding behavior and metabolism and the
role of chronic stress on brain pathways regulating adreno-cortical,
autonomic and behavioral responses to novel stressors. Because glucocorticoid
(GC) recep-tors exist in every tissue type, changes in autonomic activity,
energy balance and behavior that occur with either GC treatment or
chronic stress may be either directly related to GC action in the
tissue studied or secondary to a GC effect on another process. We
use increased expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos, to determine
where in brain changes occur in response to stress and/or steroid
treatment, and identify the responsive cell type using combined in
situ hybridization. Additionally, we use tracing techniques to define
the relevant pathways involved. Chronic stress appears to alter both
central pathways mediating adrenocortical and behavioral responses
to acute stress and the disposition of energy so that fat is gained
and muscle lost ‹ not good for health. Last, we study genetically
modified mice with deficits that alter brain-adrenal activity and
energy balance to test specific hypotheses raised by rat work. Our
goal is to elucidate the physiology of glucocorticoids and stress
on function. |
Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program
