Lisa Eckel

Currently, there are two ongoing research programs in Lisa Eckel's laboratory. The first project investigates the mechanism underlying estradiol's ability to control food intake and regulate body weight in female rodents. To study this problem, they use an integrated approach involving behavioral, physiological, pharmacological and molecular techniques. The interaction between estrogen and neuropeptides is of particular interest. A second project investigates the changes in neuropeptide secretion associated with activity-based anorexia, an animal model of anorexia nervosa. The lab is also interested in identifying behavioral patterns in rats that might increase the risk of developing activity-based anorexia.