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Chromosome variation in Sorex araneus and Suncus murinus
Last updated 18 April, 1997 ©P.Borodin
Physiological Genetics Department.
1. Laboratory of Genetic Neuroendocrinology.
Staff:
Nikolai N. Dygalo, Prof., Dr.Sci., Head of the Laboratory and Head of
Group of Genetic and Ontogenetic Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Lidiya I. Serova, Dr.Sci., Head of the Group of Genetic Neurochemistry
and Pharmacology.
Alexander V. Osadchuk, Ph.D., Head of the Group of Genetic
Endocrinology.
Vasily S. Lankin, Dr.Sci., Head of the Group
Larisa L. Maslova, Dr.Sci., Head of the Group
Galina T. Shishkina, Ph.D.
Tatjana S. Kalinina, Ph.D.
Oksana N. Kozlova, Ph.D.
Konstantin V. Svechnikov, Ph.D.
Alina V. Amikishieva
Larisa G. Ahmerova
Dmitry G. Shaharov
Group of Genetic and Ontogenetic Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Leaders: Nikolai N. Dygalo, Prof., Dr.Sci., and Galina T. Shishkina, Ph.D.
Subjects of Research:
Genetic and ontogenetic bases for individual variability in psychoneuroendocrine
reactivity (Adrenoceptors, Tyrosine Hydroxylase, Steroid Hormones of Adrenals
and Gonads, Stress, Reproduction, Behaviour, Genetic Variability, Effects of
Prenatal Treatments (hormones, stress, environmental pollution).
General Results 1993-1995:
Genetic differences in the rates of sexual maturation, seasonal changes
in plasma levels of sex steroids, fecundity, genital morphology,
adrenocortical stress reactivity, emotional and aggressive behaviour,
and in the activity of the key enzyme of catecholamine syntheses -
tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), concentrations of norepinephrine,
densities of adrenoceptors in the brain regions were revealed between
aggressive and domesticated grey rats, Wistar and August rats, mice
of several strains, and their hybrids. Most of the animals with
reduced stress reactivity and aggressiveness have elevated TH
activity and decreased adrenoceptors densities in the brain. Negative
intrastrain and interstrain correlations between the hypothalamic
density of 3H-clonidine-binding sites and plasma testosterone levels
were found in mice.
Glucocorticoids injected into pregnant females affect fetal testosterone
levels, genital morphology, adrenocortical stress reactivity,
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