Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Investigating The Role Of Pannexin 3 In Intervertebral Disc Health And Disease, Meaghan E. Serjeant
Investigating The Role Of Pannexin 3 In Intervertebral Disc Health And Disease, Meaghan E. Serjeant
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Pannexin 3 (Panx3) is a mechanosensitive, channel-forming glycoprotein implicated in the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Despite evidence for Panx3 expression in intervertebral discs (IVDs), its function here remained unknown. Using Panx3-/- mice, this study investigated the role of Panx3 in age-associated and injury-induced models of IVD degeneration. While loss of Panx3 did not significantly impact the progression of age-associated IVD degeneration, it was associated with a protective phenotype in an injury model of IVD degeneration, specifically in the annulus fibrosus (AF). Following IVD injury, WT mice showed an accumulation of enlarged cells that appeared to contribute to disrupted AF …
Cardioprotective Role Of The Cholinergic System, Mouhamed Dakroub
Cardioprotective Role Of The Cholinergic System, Mouhamed Dakroub
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
The process of aging is an irreversible continuum experienced by all individuals. A large number of physiological transformations occur to the cardiovascular system as one ages. These changes result in increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, many of which are frequently seen in geriatric populations. While the exact mechanisms of age-related cardiac dysfunction have not been established, abnormal cholinergic dysfunction has been implicated in the pathology of other age related diseases; therefore, we have hypothesized that age induced cholinergic dysfunction is detrimental to cardiac function and health. This study seeks to identify whether increased cholinergic signaling, either by transgenic overexpression …