Neural Basis of Parental and Infanticidal Behavior in Rodents
We investigate the brain regions that regulate parental and infanticidal behaviors, how they communicate, and how they form neural circuits to promote or inhibit these two antagonistic behaviors. We use different techniques such as Fos protein expression, brain lesions, intracerebral infusion of substances, PET and electrophysiology.
C-Fos immunoreactive neurons in the prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic cortex (IL) in adult female mice exposed to pups for the first time during 15 min.
Emotional disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postpartum period
We investigate the risk factors for developing emotional disorders during pregnancy, peripartum and postpartum. In particular, we investigate the role of the oxytocinergic system and the interaction between genetic variants and early experiences. We also seek to detect these emotional disturbances early to avoid the negative effects they have on the normal development of pregnancy and the development of the newborn. We use various psychometric scales and questionnaires to evaluate different experiences and behavioral states and perform genetic analyzes for this peptidergic system.
Description and comparative analysis of the brain distribution for Oxytocin and Vasopressin
(V1a) receptors and their relationship to social and reproductive strategy of the species
We investigate differences in the expression and distribution of oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic receptors in the brain and their relationship to social and reproductive behavior of the species. Furthermore, we investigate how variation in the expression of these receptors in the brain also affects behavior, in the same way, within the same species. We use autoradiography for peptide receptors.