The dramatic feeding-related activities of the Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus are under neurohormonal regulation of serotonin and various neuropeptides. One such family of neuropeptides, the insect kinins, possesses diuretic, digestive and myotropic activities in many insects. In R. prolixus, they co-localize with the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like diuretic hormone (DH) in neurosecretory cell bodies and their abdominal neurohaemal sites. Additionally, kinins are present in endocrine cells of the midgut and are known to stimulate hindgut and midgut contractions. Through the experimentation presented in this dissertation, the cloning and spatial expression of the R. prolixus kinin (Rhopr-kinin) transcript is described. Physiological bioassays demonstrate the myostimulatory effects of selected Rhopr-kinin peptides and also illustrate the augmented responses of hindgut contractions to co-application of Rhopr-kinin and Rhopr-CRF/DH. The irreversible effects of two synthetic kinin analogs on the hindgut relative to the native kinins also exhibit the prospective biotechnological significance of this study.

CAPA-related peptides belong to a family of neuropeptides localized to the central nervous system that can function in diverse roles in the regulation of water and salt homeostasis in insects. These peptides are known to stimulate fluid secretion by Malpighian tubules (MTs) in Dipteran species, thus serving a diuretic function. In contrast, this thesis demonstrates that members of this family of peptides in Rhodnius prolixus serve an anti-diuretic role and have multiple tissue targets, whereby they oppose the activity of diuretic hormones such as serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine hydrochloride; 5-HT). I have identified two genes each encoding three peptides in R. prolixus, suggesting this insect is capable of producing a greater number of CAPA-peptides compared to other insects that contain only a single CAPA gene. Interestingly, while the second peptide encoded in each R. prolixus gene (RhoprCAPA-α2/-β2) inhibits the stimulatory effects of serotonin on tissues such as the anterior midgut and Malpighian tubules, it appears the other CAPA-related and pyrokinin-related peptides do not play a major role in inhibiting the effects of serotonin on these tissues. More specifically, serotonin-stimulated fluid secretion by MTs and fluid absorption by the anterior midgut are reduced by the anti-diuretic peptide, RhoprCAPA-α2. In addition, I have also identified a G protein-coupled receptor which likely mediates the anti-diuretic effect associated with RhoprCAPA-α2 and have functionally characterized this receptor in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Spatial transcript expression analysis in fifth-instars reveals a wide distribution of the receptor in tissues associated with the rapid post-gorging diuresis. Thus, my findings suggest that numerous tissues are regulated by the CAPA peptides in R. prolixus. Gene structure and phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that this receptor is the orthologue of the D. melanogaster capa receptor (CG14575) with homologs in other insects. Taken together, my thesis demonstrates that the RhoprCAPA peptides play an integral role in the coordination and maintenance of anti-diuresis in R. prolixus. This mechanism is necessary following the rapid diuresis associated with blood-feeding by this medically-important insect.

In order to elucidate the effects of NPY directly on bone tissue, two different doses of NPY (NPY dose 1= 1X10-5 M and NPY dose 2 = 1X 10&amp / #65533 / 6 M) and NPY dose 2 plus its inhibitor were applied together with hyaluronic acid (HA) into the intramedullary area of right tibia of Wistar rats. HA alone was administered as the control group. On three time points, day one, week one and week two after administration, the tibiae were collected and stored at &amp / #65533 / 20oC for analysis. Evaluation was performed via conventional radiography, dual energy X-ray absorbtiometry (DEXA), quantitative computerized tomography (QCT), three point bending test (TPB) and histology techniques. QCT was used to assess both atomic content and density of both medulla and cortex of tibiae. From DEXA results, it was observed that inhibition of NPY causes an increase in the bone mass from first day to second week. This phenomena was also observed in histology results so that new bone formation in the inhibitor administered bone was encountered at week two. In both medulla and cortex areas&amp / #65533 / atomic content, an increase in average effective atomic number was displayed after administration of NPY plus NPY inhibitor throughout two weeks. In addition, density of medulla of tibiae measured by QCT also revealed an increase in bone mass when inhibitor is applied throughout two weeks. As a result, overall evaluation of data obtained from DEXA, QCT and histological analysis revealed that NPY inhibits bone formation or have a pro-osteoclastic effect / inversely HA displayed osteogenic effect.

O peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRP) é o homologo mamífero da bombesina (BN). Ambos GRP e seus receptores têm sido encontrados na sinóvia de pacientes com artríte reumatoide. O receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRPR) pode ser considerado como um alvo terapêutico para doenças inflamatórias. RC-3095 é um antagonista do receptor de GRP. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos anti-inflamatórios do RC-3095, um antagonista específico do receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina, em dois modelos experimentais de artrite: induzida por colágeno do tipo II e induzida por adjuvante (CIA e AIA, respectivamente) e os mecanismos envolvidos. O RC-3095 foi administrado aos camundongos com CIA ou com AIA provocado por albumina bovina metilada (mBSA), diariamente. A incidência e severidade da doença foram avalidos por escore clínico e achados histológicos. A imunohistoquímica para o receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRPR) na CIA. Migração de neutrófilos, determinação de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) e ensaio de linfoproliferação usando MTT em AIA. As citocinas: IL-17, IL-1 e TNF sobre os joelhos em AIA e CIA foram avaliados usando o ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Analise da população de células T regulatórias por citometria de fluxo em AIA. Os resultados demonstraram que o RC-3095 reduziu a migração de neutrófilos, a hipernocicepção mecânica e a perda de proteoglicanos nos camundongos com AIA. Estes resultados estão associados com a inibição das citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-17, IL-1 e TNF-) e os níveis de proliferação de linfócitos e aumento do número de células T reguladoras (Treg). No modelo da CIA, o RC-3095 apresentou uma redução significativa nos escores da artrite e gravidade da doença, determinada histologicamente. A Inflamação sinovial, hiperplasia sinovial, formação de pannus e alterações erosivas foram drasticamente reduzidas nos camundongos artríticos tratados com RC-3095. Além disso, o RC-3095 demonstrou redução significativa no conteúdo das citocinas próinflamatórias, como IL-17, IL-1 e TNF-, e reduziu a expressão de receptores GRP nos animais doentes. Estes achados sugerem que via GRP tem um papel significativo na artrite crônica, e sua inibição pode ser explorado como uma estratégia terapêutica. / Background: The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is the mammalian homolog of bombesin (BN). Both GRP and their receptors have been found in synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. GRPR may be considered as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. RC-3095 is a GRP receptor antagonist. Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of RC-3095 in two experimental models of arthritis, collagen and antigen-induced arthritis (CIA and AIA, respectively) and the mechanism involved. Methods: RC-3095 was administered daily to mice with CIA or with AIA provoked by methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA). Disease incidence and severity were assessed by a clinical index and histologic features. Immunohistochemistry for GRPR in CIA. Migration of neutrophils, determination of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) and Lymphoproliferation assay using MTT in AIA. The cytokines: IL-17, IL-1β, TNF on his knees in AIA and CIA were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis of regulatory T cells by flow cytometry in AIA. Results: The RC-3095 reduced neutrophil migration, mechanical hypernociception and the proteoglycan loss in mice with AIA. These findings are associated with the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-1β and TNF-α) levels and lymphocyte proliferation and increase of T regulatory cell number. In the CIA model, RC-3095 exhibited significant reduction in arthritic scores and the severity of disease determined histologically. Synovial inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation and extensive erosive changes were all dramatically reduced in the arthritic mice treated with RC-3095. Furthermore, the mice treated with RC-3095 showed significant reduction in contents of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusion: Moreover RC-3095 diminished the GRP receptor expression in arthritic mice. These findings suggest that GRP pathway has a significant role in chronic arthritis, and its inhibition can be explored as a therapeutic strategy.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:37:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JuliaJD_DISSERT.pdf: 2580317 bytes, checksum: 265bbbe6825ce7a3d27c569cde32cf8d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-06-29 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Neuropeptide S (NPS) is the endogenous ligand of a G-protein coupled receptor. Preclinical studies have shown that NPSR receptor activation can promote arousal, anxiolytic-like behavioral, decrease in food intake, besides hyperlocomotion, which is a robust but not well understood phenomenon. Previous findings suggest that dopamine transmission plays a crucial role in NPS hyperactivity. Considering the close relationship between dopamine and Parkinson Disease (PD), and also that NPSR receptors are expressed on dopaminergic nuclei in the brain, the current study attempted to investigate the effects of NPS in motor deficits induced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of 6-OHDA and systemic administration of haloperidol. Motor deficits induced by 6-OHDA and haloperidol were evaluated on Swiss mice in the rota-rod and catalepsy test. Time on the rotating rod and time spent immobile in the elevated bar were measured respectively in each test. L-Dopa, a classic antiparkinsonian drug, and NPS were administrated in mice submitted to one of the animal models of PD related above. 6-OHDA injection evoked severe motor impairments in rota-rod test, while the cataleptic behavior of 6-OHDA injected mice was largely variable. The administration of L-Dopa (25 mg/kg) and NPS (0,1 and 1 nmol) reversed motor impairments induced by 6-OHDA in the rota-rod. Haloperidolinduced motor deficits on rota-rod and catalepsy tests which were reversed by L-Dopa (100 e 400 mg/kg), but not by NPS (0,1 and 1 nmol) administration. The association of L-Dopa 10 mg/kg and NPS 1 nmol was also unable to counteract haloperidol-induced motor deficits. To summarize, 6-OHDA-, but not haloperidol-, induced motor deficits were reversed by the central administration of NPS. These data suggest that NPS possibly facilitates dopamine release in basal ganglia, what would explain the overcome of motor performance promoted by NPS administration in animals pretreated with 6-OHDA, but not haloperidol. Finally, the presented findings point, for the first time, to the potential of NPSR agonist as an innovative treatment for PD. / O neuropept?deo S (NPS) ? o ligante end?geno do receptor NPSR acoplado ? prote?na G. Estudos pr?-cl?nicos mostraram que a ativa??o do receptor NPSR promove aumento da vig?lia, ansi?lise, efeito anor?xico, al?m de hiperlocomo??o. Este ?ltimo efeito ? robusto e ainda pouco entendido. Evid?ncias apontam para o envolvimento do sistema dopamin?rgico no efeito estimulat?rio do NPS. Tendo em vista a modula??o exercida pelo sistema NPS-receptor NPSR na locomo??o espont?nea de animais, a express?o do receptor NPSR em n?cleos dopamin?rgicos e a rela??o intr?nseca entre a dopamina e a Doen?a de Parkinson, o presente estudo visou investigar o papel exercido pelo sistema do NPS no preju?zo motor de camundongos induzido pela administra??o intracerebroventricular (icv) de 6-OHDA e sist?mica de haloperidol. Para avalia??o dos preju?zos motores induzidos por 6-OHDA e haloperidol, camundongos Swiss foram submetidos aos testes do rota-rod e da catalepsia e o desempenho motor na barra girat?ria do rota-rod e o tempo de imobilidade na plataforma elevada foram registrados, respectivamente. O efeito do tratamento dos camundongos com L-Dopa (via oral), um antiparkinsoniano cl?ssico, e do NPS (icv) foi avaliado nos dois testes comportamentais citados acima. No teste do rota-rod, tr?s dias ap?s a administra??o de 6-OHDA, os animais apresentaram significativo preju?zo motor. A revers?o do preju?zo motor foi verificada ap?s a administra??o de L-Dopa (25 mg/kg) ou de NPS (0,1 e 1 nmol). A administra??o de 6-OHDA tamb?m elevou o tempo de perman?ncia na plataforma elevada (teste da catalepsia), mas este efeito foi muito vari?vel, n?o sendo, portanto, utilizado para investigar a a??o do NPS. O preju?zo motor induzido pelo haloperidol no teste do rota-rod e catalepsia foi revertido pela administra??o de L-Dopa (100 e 400 mg/kg), mas n?o pelo NPS (0,1 e 1 nmol) ou pela associa??o de LDopa 10 mg/kg e NPS 1 nmol. Em conclus?o, os danos motores induzidos pela administra??o de 6-OHDA, mas n?o de haloperidol, foram revertidos pelo tratamento central com NPS. Estes dados sugerem que o NPS parece facilitar a libera??o de dopamina na via nigroestriatal, o que justificaria a melhora do desempenho motor induzida pela administra??o do NPS em animais tratados com 6-OHDA, mas n?o com haloperidol (que causa bloqueio de receptores dopamin?rgicos). Por fim, os achados aqui apresentados apontam, pela primeira vez, para a possibilidade de agonistas do receptor NPSR atuarem como agentes terap?uticos ou adjuvantes no tratamento da Doen?a de Parkinson.

O peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRP) é o homologo mamífero da bombesina (BN). Ambos GRP e seus receptores têm sido encontrados na sinóvia de pacientes com artríte reumatoide. O receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRPR) pode ser considerado como um alvo terapêutico para doenças inflamatórias. RC-3095 é um antagonista do receptor de GRP. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos anti-inflamatórios do RC-3095, um antagonista específico do receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina, em dois modelos experimentais de artrite: induzida por colágeno do tipo II e induzida por adjuvante (CIA e AIA, respectivamente) e os mecanismos envolvidos. O RC-3095 foi administrado aos camundongos com CIA ou com AIA provocado por albumina bovina metilada (mBSA), diariamente. A incidência e severidade da doença foram avalidos por escore clínico e achados histológicos. A imunohistoquímica para o receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRPR) na CIA. Migração de neutrófilos, determinação de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) e ensaio de linfoproliferação usando MTT em AIA. As citocinas: IL-17, IL-1 e TNF sobre os joelhos em AIA e CIA foram avaliados usando o ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Analise da população de células T regulatórias por citometria de fluxo em AIA. Os resultados demonstraram que o RC-3095 reduziu a migração de neutrófilos, a hipernocicepção mecânica e a perda de proteoglicanos nos camundongos com AIA. Estes resultados estão associados com a inibição das citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-17, IL-1 e TNF-) e os níveis de proliferação de linfócitos e aumento do número de células T reguladoras (Treg). No modelo da CIA, o RC-3095 apresentou uma redução significativa nos escores da artrite e gravidade da doença, determinada histologicamente. A Inflamação sinovial, hiperplasia sinovial, formação de pannus e alterações erosivas foram drasticamente reduzidas nos camundongos artríticos tratados com RC-3095. Além disso, o RC-3095 demonstrou redução significativa no conteúdo das citocinas próinflamatórias, como IL-17, IL-1 e TNF-, e reduziu a expressão de receptores GRP nos animais doentes. Estes achados sugerem que via GRP tem um papel significativo na artrite crônica, e sua inibição pode ser explorado como uma estratégia terapêutica. / Background: The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is the mammalian homolog of bombesin (BN). Both GRP and their receptors have been found in synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. GRPR may be considered as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. RC-3095 is a GRP receptor antagonist. Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of RC-3095 in two experimental models of arthritis, collagen and antigen-induced arthritis (CIA and AIA, respectively) and the mechanism involved. Methods: RC-3095 was administered daily to mice with CIA or with AIA provoked by methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA). Disease incidence and severity were assessed by a clinical index and histologic features. Immunohistochemistry for GRPR in CIA. Migration of neutrophils, determination of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) and Lymphoproliferation assay using MTT in AIA. The cytokines: IL-17, IL-1β, TNF on his knees in AIA and CIA were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis of regulatory T cells by flow cytometry in AIA. Results: The RC-3095 reduced neutrophil migration, mechanical hypernociception and the proteoglycan loss in mice with AIA. These findings are associated with the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-1β and TNF-α) levels and lymphocyte proliferation and increase of T regulatory cell number. In the CIA model, RC-3095 exhibited significant reduction in arthritic scores and the severity of disease determined histologically. Synovial inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation and extensive erosive changes were all dramatically reduced in the arthritic mice treated with RC-3095. Furthermore, the mice treated with RC-3095 showed significant reduction in contents of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusion: Moreover RC-3095 diminished the GRP receptor expression in arthritic mice. These findings suggest that GRP pathway has a significant role in chronic arthritis, and its inhibition can be explored as a therapeutic strategy.

O peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRP) é o homologo mamífero da bombesina (BN). Ambos GRP e seus receptores têm sido encontrados na sinóvia de pacientes com artríte reumatoide. O receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRPR) pode ser considerado como um alvo terapêutico para doenças inflamatórias. RC-3095 é um antagonista do receptor de GRP. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos anti-inflamatórios do RC-3095, um antagonista específico do receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina, em dois modelos experimentais de artrite: induzida por colágeno do tipo II e induzida por adjuvante (CIA e AIA, respectivamente) e os mecanismos envolvidos. O RC-3095 foi administrado aos camundongos com CIA ou com AIA provocado por albumina bovina metilada (mBSA), diariamente. A incidência e severidade da doença foram avalidos por escore clínico e achados histológicos. A imunohistoquímica para o receptor do peptídeo liberador da gastrina (GRPR) na CIA. Migração de neutrófilos, determinação de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) e ensaio de linfoproliferação usando MTT em AIA. As citocinas: IL-17, IL-1 e TNF sobre os joelhos em AIA e CIA foram avaliados usando o ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Analise da população de células T regulatórias por citometria de fluxo em AIA. Os resultados demonstraram que o RC-3095 reduziu a migração de neutrófilos, a hipernocicepção mecânica e a perda de proteoglicanos nos camundongos com AIA. Estes resultados estão associados com a inibição das citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-17, IL-1 e TNF-) e os níveis de proliferação de linfócitos e aumento do número de células T reguladoras (Treg). No modelo da CIA, o RC-3095 apresentou uma redução significativa nos escores da artrite e gravidade da doença, determinada histologicamente. A Inflamação sinovial, hiperplasia sinovial, formação de pannus e alterações erosivas foram drasticamente reduzidas nos camundongos artríticos tratados com RC-3095. Além disso, o RC-3095 demonstrou redução significativa no conteúdo das citocinas próinflamatórias, como IL-17, IL-1 e TNF-, e reduziu a expressão de receptores GRP nos animais doentes. Estes achados sugerem que via GRP tem um papel significativo na artrite crônica, e sua inibição pode ser explorado como uma estratégia terapêutica. / Background: The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is the mammalian homolog of bombesin (BN). Both GRP and their receptors have been found in synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. GRPR may be considered as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. RC-3095 is a GRP receptor antagonist. Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of RC-3095 in two experimental models of arthritis, collagen and antigen-induced arthritis (CIA and AIA, respectively) and the mechanism involved. Methods: RC-3095 was administered daily to mice with CIA or with AIA provoked by methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA). Disease incidence and severity were assessed by a clinical index and histologic features. Immunohistochemistry for GRPR in CIA. Migration of neutrophils, determination of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) and Lymphoproliferation assay using MTT in AIA. The cytokines: IL-17, IL-1β, TNF on his knees in AIA and CIA were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis of regulatory T cells by flow cytometry in AIA. Results: The RC-3095 reduced neutrophil migration, mechanical hypernociception and the proteoglycan loss in mice with AIA. These findings are associated with the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-1β and TNF-α) levels and lymphocyte proliferation and increase of T regulatory cell number. In the CIA model, RC-3095 exhibited significant reduction in arthritic scores and the severity of disease determined histologically. Synovial inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation and extensive erosive changes were all dramatically reduced in the arthritic mice treated with RC-3095. Furthermore, the mice treated with RC-3095 showed significant reduction in contents of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusion: Moreover RC-3095 diminished the GRP receptor expression in arthritic mice. These findings suggest that GRP pathway has a significant role in chronic arthritis, and its inhibition can be explored as a therapeutic strategy.

The effects of MF exposure on the chemically induced production of NPY mRNA in the rat pheochromocytoma, PC-12 cell line.

Background: The neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR1) and its ligand neuropeptide S (NPS) have received increased attention in the last few years, as both establish a previously unknown system of neuromodulation. Animal research studies have suggested that NPS may be involved in arousal/wakefulness and may also have a crucial role in sleep regulation. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs324981 in NPSR1 has begun to shed light on a function of the NPS-system in human sleep regulation. Due to an amino acid exchange, the T-allele leads to an increased sensitivity of the NPSR1. In the only genomewide association study to date on circadian sleep parameters in humans, an association was found between rs324981 and regular bedtime. However, the sleep parameters in this study were only measured by self-rating. Therefore, our study aimed to replicate these findings using an objective measure of sleep. Methods: The study included n = 393 white subjects (62–79 years) who participated in an actigraphic assessment for determining sleep duration, rest duration, sleep onset, rest onset and sleep onset latency. Genotyping of the SNP rs324981 was performed using the TaqMan OpenArray System. Results: The genotype at rs324981 was not significantly associated with rest onset (bedtime) or sleep onset (p = .146 and p = .199, respectively). However, the SNP showed a significant effect on sleep- and rest duration (p = .007 and p = .003, respectively). Subjects that were homozygous for the minor T-allele had a significantly decreased sleep- and rest duration compared to A-allele carriers. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the sleep pattern in humans is influenced by the NPS-system. However, the previously reported association between bedtime and rs324981 could not be confirmed. The current finding of decreased sleep duration in T/T allele carriers is in accordance with studies in rodents reporting similar results after NPS application.:Background; Methods; Results; Conclusions

Many animals exhibit seasonal changes in life-history stages, and these seasonal transitions are often accompanied by dramatic switches in behavior. While the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate such behavioral transitions are poorly understood, arginine vasotocin (AVT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are excellent candidates because they regulate reproductive and feeding behavior, respectively. In this study, I asked if seasonal changes in AVT and/or NPY are concomitant with spring migration away from the breeding grounds, as male and female red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) are transitioning from reproductive to non-reproductive behavior during this time. To address this question, I collected male and female snakes in different migratory stages during the spring and fall. Brains were processed for AVT and NPY immunohistochemistry and the total number of immunoreactive (-ir) cells quantified for each individual. As predicted, males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, brain regions important for courtship behavior, during the spring mating season compared to the fall. Females had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area during the spring compared to the fall and, surprisingly, did not exhibit seasonal changes in NPY. In contrast, males had significantly more NPY-ir cells in the cortex, a region important for spatial memory, and in the posterior hypothalamus during the fall compared to the spring, which likely reflects increased feeding behavior during the summer foraging period. Neither AVT- nor NPY-ir cell number varied significantly with migratory status, indicating that seasonal changes in these neuropeptides are not directly related to migration. I then asked if the observed seasonal changes in AVT and NPY in males and females are related to the transition from reproductive to non-reproductive states. Compared to courting males, non-courting males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the supraoptic nucleus and more NPY-ir cells in the cortex. AVT- and NPY-ir cells did not differ between unmated and mated females. Collectively, my results suggest that AVT and NPY play a role in regulating seasonal transitions in male reproductive behavior, rather than regulating migration per se. Further, these data indicate that both AVT and NPY are regulating reproductive behavior differently in males versus females. These data provide the framework for future studies examining the mechanisms regulating transitions between reproductive, migratory and foraging behaviors.