Rising Star at 37th Annual Conference of Japanese Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology

In a groundbreaking stride for the field of neuroendocrinology, Shota Serizawa, a first-year graduate student at the esteemed Graduate School of Pharma-Science, emerged as the recipient of the Outstanding Presentation Award at the 37th Annual Conference of the Japanese Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology. The conference, held from August 31st to September 2nd, 2023, showcased cutting-edge research in hormone-related behaviors, encompassing aspects like social communication, sexual behavior, and the intricacies of human bonds. Serizawa's winning presentation, intriguingly titled "Is it true?", delved into the crucial role of thyroid hormone in brain formation and maintenance in vertebrates. Additionally, it explored the pivotal function of thyroid hormone in imprinting and learning, a phenomenon where young chicks form profound attachments to their caregivers. However, the question of whether transient spikes in thyroid hormone during the perinatal period were instrumental in imprinting learning remained shrouded in mystery.

Through meticulous experimentation, Dr. Serizawa administered methimazole, a compound known to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis, to perinatal chicks. The result was a revelation: chicks treated with this compound no longer exhibited the capacity for imprinting learning. Reflecting on this momentous achievement, Serizawa remarked, "Engaging with fellow researchers and specialized institutions in animal behavior, endocrinology, and neuroscience has been an integral part of my academic journey. This recognition reaffirms the significance of these dialogues in shaping fresh perspectives and interpretations. I am committed to incorporating the insights gained through such exchanges into my future research endeavors."
Dr. Serizawa announced that when methimazole, which inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis, was administered to perinatal chicks to temporarily reduce thyroid hormone synthesis, the administered chicks were no longer able to imprint learning. did.

This accolade comes on the heels of Dr. Serizawa's earlier triumph in March 2023, when he was honored with the prestigious Shoichi Okinaga Academic and Cultural Encouragement Award for this very research. With these accolades, the trajectory of Serizawa's contributions to the field seems poised for even greater heights. 

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