Influences of Stress on GnIH Expression in Bats

In 2000 a novel protein, referred to as GnIH, was discovered to inhibited the release of reproductive regulating hormones in the brain of quail. Since then, GnIH has identified in all studied vertebrate including fish, amphibians, and mammals. It has been shown to decrease hormone synthesis, be produced and act in reproductive tissues, as well as inhibit sexual behaviour. In rats, GnIH expression in the brain is increased in response to stress. Stress hormone receptors are present on GnIH neurons, and removing the adrenal gland which releases stress hormones eliminates GnIH release when an animal is stressed. In this project, we aim to replicate these findings in the big brown bat by comparing GnIH expression in the brain and reproductive organs between stressed and unstressed bats. We predict that stressed bats will have increased GnIH expression in their brain and reproductive tissues. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Faure

Student:

Partner:

University of California, Berkeley

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: