Kat Publishes Manuscript in Hormones and Behavior

Kat’s manuscript on the role of melatonin in mediating seasonal transitions in aggressive behavior and circulating androgen profiles was recently published in Hormones and Behavior! In this study, Kat showed that male hamsters given a long-term, short day (SD)-like melatonin signal, either via timed melatonin injections or exposure to a SD light cycle, elevate territorial aggression and reduce circulating androgen levels in response to an aggressive interaction. Together, these findings suggest that SD males transition from synthesis to metabolism of circulating androgens following an aggressive encounter, a response that is modulated by melatonin and culminates in increased aggression.

A link for the manuscript can be found under the “Publications” page and can also be accessed here.