Behavioral Neuroscience

Leslie C. Skeen

		Associate Professor Ph.D., Florida State University, 1976 Research Interests Representative Publications skeen@udel.edu Office: 113 Wolf Hall (302) 831-8060 (302) 831-3645 -fax Preferred contact method - email

Research Interests

Development and plasticity of the olfactory system

Research Summary:

Dr. Skeen is a neuroscientist who joined the University in 1977 after completing postdoctoral studies and serving on the research faculty at Duke Medical Center. He uses computerized morphometrics, metabolic mapping, receptor binding, and enzyme histochemistry to study the laws that govern neural development. The neurons composing the phylogenetically old olfactory systems are sequentially produced during ontogeny, exquisitely organized in their various synaptic affiliations, and biochemically diverse. Dr. Skeen and his students have exploited olfactory deprivation paradigms in neonates to reveal a remarkable plasticity: the elaboration, biochemical expression, and very survival of many neurons in the olfactory system depend critically on the sensory circumstances of the neonate's early world. On the basis of these findings, his research has recently expanded to include studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms through which these epigenetic influences operate on neural development. Aspects of Dr. Skeen's research are relevant to the treatment of developmental disorders.

Representative Publications

Skeen, L.C. and Masterton, R.B. (1983).  Origins of anthropoid intelligence IV:  Role of prefrontal system in delayed alternation and spatial reversal learning in a conservative eutherian (Paraechinushypomelas).  BrainBehav. Evol. 21: 185-198.

Skeen, L.C., Rolon, R.R. and Schofield, B.R. (1984).  Tangential organization of olfactory, association, and commissural projections to olfactory cortex in a species of reptile (Trionyxspiniferus), bird (Aixsponsa), and mammal (Tupaiaglis).  BrainBehav. Evol. 25: 206-216.

Skeen, L.C., Due, B.R. and Douglas, F.E. (1985).  Effects of early anosmia on two classes of granule cells in developing mouse olfactory bulbs.  NeuroscienceLetters54: 301-306.

Skeen, L.C., Due,B.R., and Douglas, F.E. (1986) Neonatal sensory deprivation reduces tufted cell number in mouse olfactory bulbs. NeuroscienceLetters63: 5-10.

Ingram, S.M., Krause, R.G., II, Baldino, F., Jr.,  Skeen, L.C., and Lewis, M.E.  (1989) Neuronal localization of cholecystokinin mRNA in the Rat Brain by using in situ  hybridization histochemistry.  J. Comp. Neurol , 287, 260-272.

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