This Unit was created during late 1989, and since then it has conducted research within the field of Classic Neuroendocrine Physiology. In this regard, the main interest has been historically focused in the process by which the Central Nervous System controls the activity of both corticotrope and adrenocortical cells. The relevance of these studies is clearly evident because adrenal glucocorticoid represents the critical endogenous efferent signal triggered, after the impact of an internal/external allostatic noxa, to maintain body homeostasis. Generically, this field of study has been known as "Stress", and it is currently recognized as the main individual undesirable "allostatic" signal. Efforts have been dedicated to the further knowledge on the mechanisms disturbed by, and those activated to protect the organism against infections, external injuries, and changes in energy balance, among several others. This Laboratory has devoted approximately 10 years to better understand the dependence of the immune system response, e.g. after bacterial infection, on the endogenous sex steroid milieu, thus evidencing the existence of a sexual dimorphism in both immune and adrenal gland responses. Moreover, we were one of the first worldwide research groups describing the intrinsic mechanisms exerted by immune system-derived cytoquines on glucocorticoid production; a signal which in turn induces anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressing activities, thus helping to restore homeostasis. In addition, since 1998, we have been able to describe and help understand some aspects of the bidirectional relationship between hypothalamic neurons (namely, those related to the control of appetite) and the white adipose tissue, as an endocrine organ. Within this new circuit, in charge of the control of appetite/satiety, we have characterized the modulatory effect of glucocorticoids on adipose tissue leptin production, the main physiological peripheral satiety signal. Moreover, by employing very precise surgical techniques, we have demonstrated that several characteristics of some hyper-adipose phenotypes can be reversed after appropriate correction of enhanced corticoadrenal activity. Currently, we have extended our research interest to magnocellular neurons (those producing antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin) development and differentiation, in vitro , when starting from embryonic hypothalamic cells.

Staff

GIOVAMBATTISTA, Andrés , Investigador Adjunto CONICET - Jefe de Laboratorio
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SPINEDI, Eduardo Julio, Investigador Principal CONICET
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REY, María Amanda, Profesional de Apoyo CONICET
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ALZAMENDI, Ana, Becario de Posgrado CONICET
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ZUBIRÍA, María Guillermina, Becario ANPCyT
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ONGARO GAMBINO, Luisina, Becario de Estudio CICPBA
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VIDAL BRAVO, Juana, Becario de Entrenamiento CICPBA
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