Neuroendocrine
Control of Behavior
| Sunny
K. Boyd
Professor
Ph.D. Oregon State University |
|
My research program
focuses on the neuroendocrine regulation of vertebrate
reproduction and reproductive behaviors. Overall, we concentrate
on the interaction of neuropeptides such as arginine vasotocin
and gonadotropin-releasing hormone with gonadal and adrenal
steroids. We use amphibians as model systems because of
their simplified nervous systems and the sensitivity of
their behaviors to neuropeptide modulation. We use a combination
of techniques ranging from field experiments on behavior
to molecular cloning of neuropeptide genes. We currently
have four lines of investigation. (1) Vocal behavior is
a critical component of the social behavior of frogs and
toads. We investigate how vocalizations are controlled
by examining the sites and mechanisms of action of vasotocin
and the gonadal steroids testosterone, dihydrotestosterone,
and estradiol in the brain. (2) Caecilian amphibians are
unique in that most species are viviparous. Viviparity
is rare in other amphibians. We are examining the neural
and endocrine control of reproduction in caecilians to
discover how they differ. This work includes study of
brain, pituitary, gonadal, and fetal physiology. (3) The
auditory system of anuran amphibians is sexually dimorphic
and seasonally variable. We are examining these changes
in the auditory system by focusing on the influence of
steroids and neuropeptides on neuronal electrophysiology.
(4) Alterations in chromosome number are common in amphibians.
These changes in ploidy result in changes in neuronal
size. We are focusing on the 3D architecture of neurons
and neuronal networks in the brains of amphibians which
are diploid and tetraploid. We are ultimately interested
in how these changes alter the behavior of individuals.
Selected
Publications:
Hilscher-Conklin,
C., Conlon, J.M., and Boyd, S.K. (1998) Identification and
localization of neurohypophysial peptides in the brain of
a caecilian amphibian, Typhlonectes natans (Amphibia: Gymnophiona).
Journal of Comparative Neurology 394:139-151.
Boyd, S.K., Wissing,
K.D., Heinsz, J.E., and Prins, G.S. (1998) Androgen receptors
and sexual dimorphisms in the larynx of the bullfrog. General
and Comparative Endocrinology, 113:59-68.
Emerson, S.B. and
Boyd, S.K. (1999) Mating vocalizations of female frogs:
control and evolution mechanisms. Brain, Behavior and Evolution
53:187-197.
Tito, M.B., Hoover,
M.A., Mingo, A.M. and Boyd S.K. (1999) Vasotocin maintains
multiple call types in the gray treefrog, Hyla versicolor
. Hormones and Behavior 36:166-175.
Ebersole, T.J.
and Boyd, S.K. (2000) Immunocytochemical localization of
gonadotropin-releasing hormones in the brain of a viviparous
caecilian amphibian, Typhlonectes natans (Amphibia:
Gymonophiona). Brain, Behavior and Evolution 55:1-13 (Cover
photo).
Ebersole, T.J.,
Conlon, J.M., Goetz, F. W. and Boyd, S. K. (2000) Characterization
and distribution of neuropeptide Y in the brain of a caecilian
amphibian. Peptides 22:325-334.
Hollis, D.M. and
Boyd, S.K. (2003) Characterization of the GABA-A receptor
in the brain of the adult male bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana
. Brain Research 992:69-75.
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