1. STEROID HORMONES AND NERVOUS SYSTEM:experimental studies to investigate the role of androgens and estrogens for the development of sexually dimorphic structures and behaviorswithin the central nervous system

2. WE WANT TO INVESTIGATE SOME NEUROPEPTIDES OR NEUROTRANSMITTERS SYSTEMS IN HIGHER VERTEBRATES: vasopressin-vasotocin system nitric oxide synthase system endocrine disrupters- neural circuits- behavior http://psicologipsicologiaedintorni.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/lente_ingrandimento1.jpg 3. VASOPRESSIN-VASOTOCINPARVOCELLULAR SYSTEM Sexually dimorphic peptidergic system Extremenly sensitive to gonadal hormonesWe are currently investigating the differentiation of this system in both mammals (rat, mouse) and birds (Japanese quail) 4. NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASESYSTEM control of sexual behavior sexually dimorphic in rodens We are currently investigating the effects ofestrous cycle on this system 5. ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS-NEURAL CIRCUITS ANBEHAVIORWe are currently investigating the alterations of investigative, social (in mice) and sexual (in mice and birds) behaviors and associated neuralcircuits following exposure to synthetic or natural endocrine disrupters