Dr. Morrell is a behavioral neuroendocrinologist, using rodent models. She seeks
an understanding of how neuronal mechanisms in the brain mediate complex
naturally occurring behaviors, specifically maternal and sexual behaviors.
The more specific scientific areas are described below.
Steroid hormone receptors as key elements in steroid hormone regulation of the brain
Neural Structures that are necessary for maternal behavior
Neurochemistry regulated by physiological and behavioral events
Cocaine disruption of maternal behavior: rodent models
Key readings:
B. J. Mattson And J. I. Morrell. Preference for Cocaine- Versus Pup-Associated Cues
Differentially Activates Neurons Expressing Either Fos or Cocaine- and
Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript in Lactating, Maternal Rodents.
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Selected References*:
Wagner, C.K., Silverman, A-J, and Morrell, J.I. Evidence for estrogen receptors in cell nuclei
and axon terminals within the lateral habenula. J. Comparative Neurology, 392, 330-342, 1998.
Caba, M., Beyer, C., Gonzalez-Mariscal, G., and Morrell, J.I. Immunocytochemical detection of
estrogen receptor-a in the female rabbit forebrain: topography and regulation by estradiol.
Neuroendocrinology, 77, 208-222, 2003.
Kalinichev, M., Rosenblatt, J.S., and Morrell, J.I. Induction of C-Fos and Fos-B-like
immunoreactivity reveals neuronal populations involved in non-hormonally mediated display
of maternal behavior in juvenile and adult rats. Journal of Comparative Neurology,
416, 45-78, 2000.
Olazabal, D.E., Kalinichev, M., Morrell, J.I., Rosenblatt, J.S.. MPOA Cytotoxic lesions
and maternal behavior in the rat: Effects of midpubertal lesions on maternal behavior and
the role of ovarian hormones in the maturation of MPOA control of maternal behavior.
Hormones and Behavior, vol 41, 126-138, 2002
Bakowska, J.C. and Morrell, J.I. Atlas of the neurons that express the mRNA for the long
form of the prolactin receptor in female rat brain. J. Comparative Neurology, 386, 161-177,
1997.
Bakowska, J.C., and Morrell, J.I. Neurons that express the mRNA for the short form of the
prolactin receptor. Molecular Brain Research, volume 116, issue 1-2, p 50-58, 2003.
Vernotica, E., Lisciotto, C.A., Rosenblatt, J.S., and Morrell, J.I. Cocaine impairs maternal
behavior: rodent model. Behavioral Neuroscience, 110, 315-323, 1996.
