Comportamento Animal

Interesse da Investigação

The main research aim of our group is the understanding of the interrelationship between neuroendocrine mechanisms and social behaviour, using an integrative approach (i.e. by integrating ecological/evolutionary analysis with physiological analysis of behavior). With our studies we hope to contribute to the understanding of how complex social environmental processes interact with biological systems. I have been developing two main research lines: (1) to understand how the social environment modulates hormones and the expression of hormone-dependent behaviors; and (2) the study of the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying sexual plasticity. Both research lines have been mainly focused in teleost fish as study models but I have also expanded my research to other vertebrate groups, including humans. For example, I have recently started joint projects in collaboration with the Departments of Health Psychology and Developmental Psychology at ISPA, on the variation of salivary steroid levels in humans according to psychosocial stimuli (e.g. variation of androgens and prolactin in prospective fathers; response of sex steroids to social challenges; hormone changes related to social interactions and to the quality of inter-personal relationships). In these research lines we combine neuroendocrinology and molecular biology techniques with behavioural observations (and the use of psychological methodologies in humans) and we conduct studies both in the lab and in free-living subjects.

Publicações

Gonçalves, D.M., J. Alpedrinha, M. Teles & Oliveira, R.F. (2007). Endocrine control of sexual behavior in sneaker males of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo: effects of castration, aromatase inhibition, testosterone and estradiol. Hormones and Behavior 51 :534-541

Ros, A.F.H., Oliveira, R.F., N. Bouton & R.S. Santos (2006). Alternative male reproductive tactics and the immunocompetence handicap in the Azorean rock pool blenny, Parablennius parvicornis. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B 273 :901-909

Hirschenhauser, K. & Oliveira, R.F. (2006). Social modulation of androgen levels in male vertebrates: a meta-analysis of the challenge hypothesis. Animal Behaviour 71 :265-277

Oliveira, R.F., L.A. Carneiro & A.V.M. Canário (2005). No hormonal response in tied fights. Nature 437 :207-208

Oliveira, R.F. (2004). Social modulation of androgens in vertebrates: mechanisms and function. Advances in the Study of Behaviour 34 :165-239

K. Hirschenhauser, M. Taborsky, T. Oliveira, A.V.M. Canario & Oliveira, R.F. (2004). A test of the ‘challenge hypothesis’ in cichlid fish: simulated partner and territory intruder experiments. Animal Behaviour 68 :741-750

Ros, A.F.H., R. Bruintjes, R.S. Santos, A.V.M. Canario & Oliveira, R.F. (2004). The role of androgens in the trade-off between territorial and parental behavior in the Azorean rock-pool blenny, Parablennius parvicornis. Hormones and Behavior 46 :491-497

Miranda, J.A., Oliveira, R.F., L.A. Carneiro, R.S. Santos & M.S. Grober (2003). Neurochemical correlates of male polymorphism and alternative reproductive tactics in the Azorean rock-pool blenny, Parablennius parvicornis. General and Comparative Endocrinology 132 :183-189

M.S. Grober, A.A. George, K.K. Watkins, L.A. Carneiro & Oliveira, R.F. (2002). Forebrain AVT and courtship in a fish with alternative reproductive tactics. Brain Research Bulletin 57 :23-25

Oliveira, R.F., L.A. Carneiro, D.M. Gonçalves, A.V.M. Canário & M.S. Grober (2001). Effects of 11-Ketotestosterone in sneaker males of the peacock blenny, a species with male alternative mating tactics. Brain, Behavior and Evolution. 58 :28-37

Oliveira, R.F., M. Lopes, L.A. Carneiro & A.V.M. Canário. (2001). Watching fights raises fish hormone levels. Nature 409 :475