Research Interests: Behavioral Physiology/Behavioral Neurobiology examining the mechanisms involved in the evolution of social and reproductive behavior Courses Taught: Biology of Reproduction (BSCI 342) Ongoing research involves exploration of the physiological basis (within an evolutionary framework) of variation in social and sexual behavior. First, I am studying the hormonal and neuroanatomical basis of mating strategies and reproduction. Monogamy is a relatively rare reproductive strategy in mammals. Prairie voles provide a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms involved in regulating monogamy. Prairie voles from Illinois are strictly monogamous while prairie voles from Kansas show many aspects of polygyny. I am using this intraspecific variation in reproductive strategies to examine the role of neuropeptides (oxytocin and vasopressin) and sex steroids (estrogen and testosterone) in regulating these differences. Studies involve manipulations of hormones and examining the resulting effects on behavior and expression and distribution of vasopressin, oxytocin and steroid receptors within the Central Nervous System. I am also interested in the interaction between neuropeptides and steroids in the establishment and regulation of social and sexual behavior. Ongoing studies include the effects of neonatal oxytocin on the subsequent expression of social and sexual behavior in female prairie voles and rats. Oxytocin is important in the establishment of positive social behaviors, and early exposure to oxytocin may alter social interactions. Additionally there is evidence that early exposure to oxytocin may trigger an earlier onset of reproductive activity in females. In addition to studying the effects of neonatal oxytocin on subsequent adult female social and sexual behavior, I am studying the potential underlying neuroanatomical changes that must ultimately be responsible for the expressed behaviors. Recent Publications 2000. Cushing, B. S. and Carter, C. S. Peripheral pulses of oxytocin increase pair bonding in female, but not male prairie voles. Hormones and Behavior 37:49-56. 1999. Cushing, B. S., Carter, C. S. Prior exposure to oxytocin mimics social contact and facilitates sexual behaviour in females. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 11:765-769. 1998. Roberts, R.L., Cushing, B.S., and Carter, C.S. Intraspecific variation in the induction of female sexual receptivity in prairie voles. Physiology and Behavior 64:209-212. 1998. Cushing, B. S. and Reese, E. Hawk-like aggression in the Hawaiian red lobster, Enoplometopus occidentalis. Behaviour 135:963-877. 1997. Morgan, L.R., Hite, R., and Cushing, B. S. Exposure to male siblings facilitates the response to estradiol in sexually naive female prairie voles. Physiology and Behavior 61:955-956. 1996. Cushing, B. S. and Cawthorn, J. M. Species differences in activity patterns during oestrus. Canadian Journal of Zoology 74:473-479. 1996. Cushing, B. S. and Hite, R. Effects of estradiol on sexual receptivity, wheel-running behavior, and vaginal estrus in virgin prairie voles. Physiology and Behavior 60:829-832. 1995. Cushing, B. S. When a hawk can damage a dove: An extension of game theory. Journal of Theoretical Biology 175:173-176. 1995. Cushing, B. S., Marhenke, S., McClure, P. A. Estradiol concentration and the regulation of locomotor activity. Physiology and Behavior 58:953-957. |
