I am interested in elucidating the regulatory mechanism of oxytocin receptors (OXTR) neurons in the perinuclear zone (PNZ) on the activity of oxytocin neurons in the SON during lactation. I am studying the electrophysiological and morphological properties of OXTR neurons in the PNZ. I am also using optogenetic technique to modulate OXTR neurons in the PNZ and examine the impact of OXTR neurons on the activity of oxytocin neurons. My study will provide new information about the regulation of oxytocin neurons during lactation and reduce the gap in our understanding of the hypothalamic oxytocin system.