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:: Current research project
Characterization of the distribution of neurons containing arginine vasotocin (AVT) in the brain of labrid species with different degrees of cooperative behaviour
The work I am currently developing aims to start filling the gap of knowledge on the physiological basis of the cooperative behaviour. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) has been associated to several social behaviours (including aggression, reproduction and affiliation), and should also play an important regulating role in cooperation. To accomplish this task, I plan to describe the distribution of AVT (in the brain of two related species: the Indo-Pacific cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus (an obligate cleanerfish) and the tubelip wrasse Labrichthys unilineatus (which does not clean). Individuals are being captured in Indonesia and brought alive and in good conditions to Lisbon, where their brains are sampled, sliced and subjected to Immunocytochemistry (ICC) protocol.
Funded by: PTDC/MAR/105276/2008 |
