Neuroendocrinology Group at the Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri-Ottolenghi (NICO)

Department

Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences 

Main research activities/topics/projects

The central focus of our research 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.

Our lines of research point in these directions:

• Role of androgen and estrogen receptors in the differentiation of sexually dimorphic circuits 
• Effects of xenoestrogen and xenoandrogen exposure on the differentiation of brain circuits and behavior
• Interactions of neurosteroids and neuropeptides in the control of social behaviors

These research themes are devoted to the better understanding of the relationships among steroids, nervous system and behaviors. Our results will be useful for therapeutical applications in the field of neural regeneration, as well as in the field of food and environment safety and the prevention of important pathologies as alterations of reproductive physiology or obesity.

 Working language

English, Italian

Special entry requirements

Manipulation of animal models, behavioural tests, using of microscopes, morphological and chemical lab skills

Duration in months (min-max)

Post Doc: 3-12