The central focus of our researches is the study of the interactions among steroids and nervous circuits. Our previous studies have clarified the role of early exposure to gonadal hormones in the differentiation of sexually dimorphic circuits and behaviors in birds and mammals.
Hormones are among the mostcriticalenvironmentalfactors in the development, differentiation, and functioning of the nervous system. In particular, our research group is interested in the interactions between steroid hormones, nerve circuits, and steroid-dependent behaviors, such as sexual behavior and food intake.
Clarifying these interactions may be critical to understanding the causes leading to some behavioral diseases (anorexia, depression) or neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis) that have a strong gender difference component.
In addition, the slightest alteration in hormone balances, such as those brough tabout by exposure to chimica compounds capable of interacting with their receptors, can induce detrimental effects on the behavior and physiology of animals and humans.
Experimental studies in this field help understand what threshold values may be acceptable and whether specific dysfunctions may be caused by exposure to these environmental factors.
