Symposium: Neurobiology of rewarding behaviors

The (recently established) research group for behavioral and translational neuroscience has the pleasure of inviting you to a symposium about the neurobiology of rewarding behaviors. For this common theme, we were able to engage highly regarded, international speakers who have spent their careers researching various aspects of rewarding behaviors. The symposium is open to all. Coffee and tea will be served.

Dr. Eelke Snoeren - UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Neurobiology of sexual behavior

Sexual behavior is a strong natural incentive-driven behavior that can be used to study the fundamental principles behind the motivational system in rats. In our research, we are especially interested in the neural regulation of the switch from an intrinsic motivational state into the execution of copulatory behaviors. In this talk, I will present the role of the amygdala and preoptic area in the regulation of sexual behavior.

 

Prof. Louk Vanderschuren - Utrecht University, The Netherlands

All work and no play: neural mechanisms of social play behavior in rats

Social play behavior is a highly rewarding, vigorous form of social behavior that is abundant in the young of most mammalian species. It is though that social play behavior serves to facilitate social, emotional and cognitive development, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. In this seminar, I will present an overview of our work on the brain mechanisms of social play behavior in rats, with an emphasis on its rewarding properties and its importance for the development of brain and behavior.

 

Dr. Jaime Mc Cutcheon - University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Neurobiology of nutrient selection

All animals, including humans, need to procure the correct balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to sustain ongoing biological processes. Accordingly, animals have evolved ways of signalling deficiency in certain nutrients such as sodium or amino acids and engaging specific behaviours that remedy the need state. My research aims to understand the neurobiology that underpins this phenomenon of nutrient selection.

 

Prof. Olivier Bosch - University of Regensburg, Germany

Breaking bonds dysregulate brain oxytocin signaling - Lessons from an animal model

The formation of bonds is essential for our physiological and psychological well-being. In contrast, when bonds break, e.g. due to separation or even death, the consequences can be detrimental. In this talk, I will demonstrate the essential involvement of oxytocin signaling in bonding and, consequently, the impairing effects of partner loss as studied in monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).

 

  9.30 – 10.30: Eelke Snoeren

10.45 – 11.45: Louk Vanderschuren

13.00 – 14.00: Jaime Mccutcheon

14.15 – 15.15: Oliver Bosch

 

NB: The lectures in the morning are held in AUD 3, the lectures in the afternoon will be held in AUD 5.

When: 13.03.18 at 09.30–15.15
Where: MH: AUD3, AUD5
Location / Campus: Tromsø
Target group: All
Contact: Eelke Snoeren
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Attachments / Pictures:
Symposium2