This site is designed to introduce you to our laboratory's interests and goals.
We seek to elucidate the underlying neural and endocrine mechanisms that regulate motivated behaviors. Specifically, we use the study of mating behavior as a prototypic model for understanding motivation and drive. Why mating? Our nervous system has evolved to reward behaviors that are important for survival of the individual and, as a result, ultimately the species. One of these is of course sexual behavior, without which natural outcrossing is impossible. Therefore, it stands to reason that mating should serve as an epitomic model for performing our work; that is to say understanding motivation, its acquisition and associated disorders. We employ several molecular, cellular, anatomical, neurochemical, endocrinological, and behavioral techniques to help us achieve this goal.
What of the translational implications associated with our research? Naturally any investigation into the regulation of motivation will also have implications for behavioral disorders, such as addiction and/or depression. This is true in part because changes in mechanisms that regulate naturally rewarding behaviors are associated with the etiology of these disorders. Therefore, in addition to orchestrating studies that contribute to the basic understanding of brain-behavior relationship, it is our intent to interpret our data from a translational point of view.
So we hope that you will use the links provided above to learn more about us. If you should have questions or comments, send us an e-mail by using the Contact link provided below.
Sincerely,
Juan M. Dominguez
Director, Behavioral Neuroscience Lab
