Research
Research
Maternal behaviour is the behaviour of the lactating mother ensuring the well-being and proper development of the offspring. Both components of maternal behaviour, i.e. maternal care and maternal aggression, are mediated by the neuropeptide oxytocin. Recent studies from our lab have demonstrated that the related neuropeptide vasopressin (AVP) and its V1a receptor also play an important role in the expression of maternal behaviour. Following these previous findings my main research interest is focused on a more in-depth investigation of the function of the brain AVP system in maternal care, maternal aggression and anxiety during lactation in rats. Here, I study the neuropeptide- and receptor-specific effects mediated via brain regions which have been identified as being involved in the expression of maternal behaviour. The techniques I apply include pharmacological and/ or genetic (shRNA) manipulations followed by behavioural observations, as well as in situ hybridization, receptor autoradiography and immunohistochemistry.
Profile
Profile
2012 to date
PhD student in neurobiology in the group of PD Dr. Oliver Bosch (laboratory of Prof. Neumann) at the University of Regensburg ,Germany.
2010 - 2012
M.Sc. with main focus on neurobiology (Master thesis: “Impact of chronic pregnancy stress on the mother and her offspring – and its potential reversal by a GSK3ß- inhibitor”)
2006 – 2010
B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Regensburg (Bachelor thesis: “Reversal of behavioural and physiological consequences of pregnancy stress by antidepressant treatment”)
born November 1st 1986 in Pfaffenhofen/Ilm, Germany
Publications
Publications
