Neuroendocrine regulation of behavior demonstration in the teaching laboratory

Abstract

Students enrolled in Human Anatomy and Physiology courses, after learning about the neuroendocrine system in lecture, participated in a teaching exercise designed to demonstrate how peptides affects behavior. Young chicks were centrally injected with either α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone, angiotensin II, corticotropin releasing hormone, neuropeptide Y or a control and the students monitored the chick's behaviors to determine which treatment each chick had received. Peptides were selected for their diverse behavioral effects. Prior to coming to lab, students used the primarily literature to research the behavioral effects of these peptides in mammals. In the lab, students were given feed, water and an observation arena and decided on a method to record behaviors. After the observation period, students wrote a research paper in journal form describing their observations. This activity demonstrated peptidergic regulation of behavior, the use of an alternative vertebrate research model, utilization of primarily literature, laboratory animal handling, experimental design, and preparation of a research manuscript. Students reported that the activity was engaging and educationally valuable.