Interest: Effects of Ethanol on Female & Male
Rodent Reproduction & Growth, Puberty Through Adult
Dr. Emanuele’s laboratory is investigating the impact of acute and chronic
ethanol exposure on the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis in both female and
male rodents as they progress through puberty into adulthood. These studies include
assessment of basal and stimulated luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH),
pituitary Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), estradiol,
progestrone, prolactin and testosterone. The mechanism(s) for the suppression
of the reproductive unit are being pursued, including the role of nitric oxide,
beta-endorphin, and cytokine-mediated oxidative injury in addition to preventive
modes of therapy such as naltrexone and anti-oxidants. Also being explored are
the effects of ethanol on the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis.
