research
Research
The main focus of my research is the study of Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis–related changes occurring across pregnancy and lactation. Particularly, I focus on the potential adrenal mechanisms underlying the increase in basal glucocorticoid levels and the so called “maternal stress hyporesponsiveness” observed at that time. I am also interested in the understanding of how chronic stress exposure during pregnancy and high-fat diet intake perturb HPA axis function and maternal as well as anxiety-related behaviour.
To address these issues I use techniques like western blot, qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, staining procedures, light microscopy, adrenal gland stimulation in vitro, in vivo blood sampling and several behavioural tests in rats and mice
profile
Profile
May 2014 to date
Post Doc at the Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg
2010 – 2014
PhD student at the Department of Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, under supervision of Prof. Inga Neumann and Prof. David Slattery
Dissertation titled: “Peripartum Hypothalmus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis plasticity and its prevention by high-fat diet intake: Focus on the adrenal gland”
2009
Research student at the University of Regensburg, Department of Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Germany, under supervision of Prof. Inga Neumann
2008 - 2010
Research student at the University of study of Milan, Centre of Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacological Science, Italy, under supervision of Prof. Maurizio Popoli
2003 - 2010
MSc in Pharmacy at the University of Milan, Italy, with a thesis titled “Behavioural and physiological alterations induced by chronic stress during pregnancy” supervising professor: Prof. Maurizio Popoli, assistent supervisor: Dr. Alessandra Mallei. Marks: 96/110
born July 14th 1984 in Bergamo, Italy
publications
Publications
2014
Perani, C.V. & Slattery, D.A. (2014) Using animal models to study post-partum psychiatric disorders. British Journal of Pharmacology
