Research Interests:
I am interested in the mechanisms controlling the pubertal development
of reproductive behavior. My previous research examined the role of prenatal
androgens on pubertal endocrine function and sexual behavior in female
rhesus monkeys. My current research focuses on the effects of steroids
during puberty on neuroanatomical maturation in male Syrian hamsters.
In particular, this research investigates whether exposure to steroids
during puberty permanently alters neuronal morphology or functional connections
within the forebrain mating circuit to allow the adult expression of male
sexual behavior.
Selected Publications
Zehr, J.L., Todd, B. J., Schulz, K.M., McCarthy, M.M., & Sisk, C.L.
(2006). Dendritic pruning of the medial amygdala during pubertal
development of the male Syrian hamster. Journal of Neurobiology,
66: 578-90.
Sisk, C.L. & Zehr, J.L. (2005). Pubertal hormones organize the
adolescent brain and behavior. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 26:
163-74.
Sisk, C.L., Schulz, K.M., & Zehr, J.L. (2003). Puberty: A
finishing school for male social behavior. Annals of New York Academy of Sciences, 1007: 189-108.
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Julia
Zehr 