School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

The effects of pubertal changes in the reproductive axis on physiological and psychological function

As part of the Sex on the Brain European Research group (SOBER) we have developed an animal model with which to investigate the effects of pubertal hormone changes on physiological and cognitive function.  In particular we have been interested in the possibility that there are specific effects of reproductive hormones other than the gonadal steroids i.e. gonadotrophin releasing hormone and that the changes in the secretory patterns of hormones at this stage may programme later function.  This programme of work has combined physiological measures, behaviour and cognitive tests and tissue based studies using MRI, immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques.

• Wojniusz S, Vögel C, Ropstad E, Evans NP, Robinson JE, Sütterlin S, Erhard HW, Solbakk A-K, HeboldHaraldsen IR 2011  Pre-pubertal treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue leads to exaggerated sex-specific differences in emotional and behavioral control in young sheep. Horm Behav, 59; 22-27