Timothy O. Moore, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology Morehouse College and Neuroscience Institute Morehouse School of Medicine Ph.D., Howard University M.S., Howard University Bachelor of Science, Lincoln University, PA Neuropeptide control of agnostic behavior in male hamsters Dr. Moore's current research interests pertain to the central mechanisms which are involved in the modulation of aggression and submission in male hamsters. The term agnostic behavior is used to combine all aspects of social contact between two conspecifics. Several molecular biological techniques are being employed to analyze neuronal changes in oxytocin neurons in dominant, subordinate and control hamsters. Dr. Moore is combining behavioral data with molecular biological findings to explore brain and behavioral interactions.
Recent findings suggest that oxytocin can modulate both dominant and submissive behavior.
Stressors, including social conflict, decrease plasma prolactin in male golden hamsters. Neuropeptides, oxytocin, vasopressin, hypothalamus, microinjection, immunocytochemistry, flank marking, grooming, social behavior, aggression, submission.