Dr. Les Dees

Research

Our laboratory focuses on assessing factors that control or alter the timing of female pubertal development. Specifically, the basic science studies concentrate on identifying the role(s) of specific genes, peptides, growth factors and excitatory amino acids on the hypothalamic control of pituitary function. Other studies in the lab assess the effects of exposure to toxins such as manganese, lead and alcohol on the actions and interactions of the above mentioned puberty-related substances. Anatomical, physiological and molecular approaches are used to assess hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function using prepubertal rodents and rhesus monkeys as animal models.

Teaching

• VIBS 305 - Biomedical Anatomy
• VIBS 670 - Neurotoxicology