Neuroscience Faculty

Physiological and neural control of ingestive behavior; the effects of gonadal hormones on food intake and body weight regulation; activity-based anorexia; obesity; sex differences in behavior; conditioned taste aversion learning.

Currently, there are two ongoing research programs in my laboratory. The first project investigates the mechanism underlying estradiol's ability to control food intake and regulate body weight in female rodents. To study this problem, we use an integrated approach involving behavioral, physiological, pharmacological, and molecular techniques. The interaction between estrogen and neuropeptides is of particular interest. A second project investigates the changes in neuropeptide secretion associated with activity-based anorexia, an animal model of anorexia nervosa. We are also interested in identifying behavioral patterns in rats that might increase the risk of developing activity-based anorexia.

Eckel, L.A. (2011). The ovarian hormone estradiol plays a crucial role in the control of food intake in females. Physiology and Behavior,104, 517-524.

Loney, G.C., Torregrossa, A-M., Smith, J.C., Sclafani, A., & Eckel, L.A. (2011).  Rats display a robust bimodal preference profile for sucralose. Chemical Senses, 36, 733-745.

Rivera, H.M., Santollo, J., Nikonova, L.V., & Eckel, L.A. (2011).  Estradiol increases the anorexia associated with increased 5-HT2C receptor activation in ovariectomized rats. Physiology and Behavior, 105, 188-194.

Santollo, J., Torregrossa, A-M., & Eckel, L.A. (2011).  Estradiol acts in the medial preoptic area, arcuate nucleus, and dorsal raphe nucleus to reduce food intake in ovariectomized rats. Hormones and Behavior, 60, 86-93.

Rivera, H.M., & Eckel, L.A. (2010). Activation of central, but not peripheral, estrogen receptors is necessary for estradiol’s anorexigenic effect in ovariectomized rats. Endocrinology, 151, 5680-5698.

Santollo, J., Katzenellenbogen, B.S., Katzenellenbogen, J.A., & Eckel, L.A. (2010).  Activation of ERa is necessary for estradiol’s anorexigenic effect in female rats. Hormones and Behavior, 58, 872-877.