Casey Nestor

My research is focused on acquiring a greater understanding of the mechanisms that link reproduction and energy balance at the level of the brain. Our ongoing studies focus on central mechanisms whereby inadequate energy intake (i.e. undernutrition) supresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone/luteinizing hormone (GnRH/LH) secretion in sheep. Specificially, we examine key reproductive neurons (e.g. KNDy cells) in relation to changes in melanocortin signaling and central inflammation during chronic undernutrition in young male and female sheep. As a longstanding model of basic neuroendocrine research, sheep continue to be an exceptional research model benefitting both human health and animal production. My laboratory team routinely employs neuroanatomical approaches such as RNAscope and immunohistochemistry together with central drug delivery and frequent blood collection to assess the role of various components that regulate GnRH/LH secretion.