Spinal cord control of sexual function
My research focuses on the spinal cord control of autonomic function, with a particular interest in the neural control of sexual function. A special focus is the comparison of the spinal cord circuitry controlling sexual function in males and females. This research involves an integrated approach, using modern neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and pharmacological techniques. Specific projects include:

identification of the somatic and autonomic afferents and efferents innervating pelvic organs, using retrograde tracing techniques;
study of the mechanisms of sexual reflexes in both male and female rats using a novel preparation;
analysis of the descending control of sexual function using physiological, pharmacological and anatomical techniques;
study of the neural control of prostatic secretion and prostatic growth using physiological, pharmacological, anatomical, and biochemical techniques; and
analysis of the mechanisms of diabetic impotence.