Researcher(s)
- Juan Parada, Neuroscience, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- William Kenkel, Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
Previous research in rodents has shown a relationship between thermoregulation and peptide hormones, specifically vasopressin and oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. Vasopressin is also produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland which helps constrict blood vessels, helps the kidneys control the amount of water and salt in the body, and helps control the body’s osmotic balance. In this study, we investigated whether central oxytocin and vasopressin levels in Prairie Voles and Mice are sensitive to ambient temperature. To analyze this we compared groups of 10 prairie voles and 10 mice in three different housing conditions: 15°, 20°, and 25° Celsius for three days for each temperature. With the use of immunohistochemistry, we will be able to see the differences in the oxytocin and vasopressin levels in the brains of each species. We expect our results to show that there will be a difference in oxytocin and vasopressin levels in the different temperature groups. We expect to see differences between the higher temperatures/lower temperatures with higher/lower levels of oxytocin and vasopressin. We also expect mice to be more sensitive to the ambient temperature compared to prairie voles. From a human perspective, this study will have implications for translation research on humans and how ambient temperatures will affect human brain chemistry and further the research in prairie voles.