Life Sciences Commons^™

Extracellular Atp Effects On Intracellular Actin Fibrils' Location And Characteristics [Poster], Dianna Huisman, David Mcclenahan, Ali Tabei, Joseph Tibbs

Research in the Capitol

Epithelial cells lining secretory units and ducts of bovine mammary glands perform an important role in regulating movement of various macromolecules and whole cells during normal lactation and mastitis. During mastitis, host and bacterial produced substances can affect the “barrier” function of epithelial monolayers. One potential component is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP likely interacts with P2X7, a purinergic receptor, in mediating some effects associated with mastitis. Bovine mammary gland epithelial cell line, Mac-T cells, were examined for cytoskeletal changes as result of P2X7 interactions. Actin cytoskeletons were stained with phalloidin and effects were examined by fluorescent microscopy. Observable increase in …

Developmental Immunity Of The Skeletal Elements Of The Weberian Apparatus To The Effects Of Exogenous Estrogen (17-Β Estradiol), A Known Disruptor Of Cartliage Development, Bailey Jordan Wetherell

Honors Program Theses

Proper vertebrate development is controlled by a tightly regulated sequence of gene activation and repression. Exposure to both endogenous (hormones, gene products) and exogenous (environmental chemicals, toxins, etc.) substances during development can have profound effects on morphology by altering growth, cell fate, cell differentiation, and cell migration. Waterways have long been hot-spots for chemical and toxin accumulation, due to runoff and waste dumping. Growing concern is being paid to endocrine disruptors, like estrogen (17β-estradiol), which are found in increasing levels in rivers and streams. Endocrine disruptors are known to cause a varied number of defects in fish species, but the …

The Effects Of Metolachlor Exposure On The Thp-1 Alveolar Monocyte And Macrophage Function, Jared S. Parmater

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The use of additive chemicals such as pesticides has become commonplace in agricultural practices in the Midwestern United States. Metolachlor, an herbicide used to regulate broadleaf weeds in corn and soybeans, is a widely utilized pesticide in the United States. This herbicide is effective in killing broadleaf weeds but has detrimental effects and consequences in non-target organisms. It is a frequent contaminant of ground water due to post application run-off and the air.

Inhalation constitutes one route of exposure, in addition to ingestion, adding to the list of unintended targets and consequences. This route of exposure creates an argument for …

Valproic Acid: A Neural Outgrowth Model For The Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hannah M. Bergan

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Autism spectrum disorder has been dramatically on the rise since the early 1990s, with one in forty-five children being diagnosed in 2014. It is known that contributing factors to autism spectrum disorder may have genetic and epigenetic origins, as well as environmental triggers. What is still unclear, however, is the impact of teratogenic drugs, consumed by the mother, have on a developing fetus in utero. How can they lead to the child developing autistic-like behaviors? The current study documents the effects of one teratogenic drug Valproic acid, a known histone deacetylase inhibitor. It establishes the role it plays on developing …

Excess Folic Acid As A Potential Competitor Of Glutamate May Interfere With Neural Development, Benjamin Fick

Honors Program Theses

Folic acid, Vitamin B9, is strongly advised as a supplement taken by pregnant woman to maintain the health of the embryo, and deficiency increases the risk of neural tube defects. However, a safe upper limit of folate to consume has not been established, and an excess of dietary folate may interfere with neurodevelopmental metabolism, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been suggested that folate affects connectivity among neurons as the brain develops. Glutamate is important in the regulation of neural tissue development, as it is a common excitatory neurotransmitter that binds to synaptic …

The Effect Of Rearing Temperature On Somite Formation And Skeletal Development In The Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Sarah Jean Freeland

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect temperature may have on development of elements of the Weberian apparatus in relation to the other regions of the vertebral column. The goals of this study were three-fold 1. To test rapid whole-mount staining techniques to quickly determine effect of temperature on somite number. 2. To examine the effect of extreme low and extreme high rearing temperature on somite formation. 3. To examine the effect of extreme low and extreme high rearing temperature on skeletal development in the Weberian apparatus

Homocysteine And Csrp-3 Protein In Migrating Neural Crest Cells: A Quantitative And Qualitative Confocal Microscopy Study, Allysan R. White

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Congenital heart defects are one of the leading causes of infant death. High maternal blood serum levels of the amino acid homocysteine and the frequency of heart defects are correlated, but the immediate cause is unknown. During early embryonic development, a distinctive population of cells arises dorsally as the neural tube closes, forming the brain and spinal cord. These are the neural crest cells, which play a crucial role in the development of the nervous system, head skeletal, certain endocrine and connective tissues, and, notably, the heart’s outflow region. These migratory cells will follow specific pathways and respond to signals …

Formation Of The Neural Tube Epithelium Basement Membrane During Secondary Neurulation In The Chick Embryo, Leslie Ann Mataya

Honors Program Theses

Neurulation, the formation of the neural tube, is an important process in the development of vertebrates. Because this organ ultimately becomes the central nervous system of the organism, the proper development of a fully-functioning neural tube is paramount to its survival. Neural tube defects, like spina bifida and anencephaly, are among the most common congenital malformations present in live human births. The prevalence of these defects is a definite concern to medicine and human health.

A Comparison Of The Epithelium To Mesenchyme Transformation Process In Cultured Embryonic Chick Neural Crest Cells And Human Metastatic Cervical Cancer Cells, Molly Decker

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Embryonic neural crest cells (NCCs) and metastasizing cancer cells both undergo an epithelium to mesenchyme transformation (EMT) during which they disengage from neighboring cells and basement membrane and actively migrate to new locations. NCCs, small groups of cells that emerge from the neural tube, move directionally through adjacent tissues to reach specific destinations where they differentiate into a diverse array of specific cells and tissues. Caski cells are an established line of metastatic cervical cancer cells that contain HPV. We compared NCCs to Caski cells during EMT with respect to the expression of key proteins related to cell migration-integrin, paxillin, …

The Effect Of Valproic Acid On Motility And Morphometry Parameters, And Actin And N-Cadherin Distribution In Avian Neural Crest Cells, Leah Christine Fuller

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

All vertebrate species contain a transient ectodermal structure termed the neural crest from which a specific subpopulation of migratory cells, the neural crest cells (NCCs), is derived. Following an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, NCCs actively migrate throughout the developing embryo. Precise temporal and spatial cellular migration is essential for the formation of a diverse array of neural crest derived tissues and structures. Valproic acid (VP A) is a unique anti-convulsant drug that can produce craniofacial and neural tube defects in exposed infants. Alterations of NCC migration, proliferation, and cytoskeletal composition have been proposed as mechanisms of VP A's teratogenicity. To investigate this …

A Role For Fibronectin In The Development Of Beat In Chick Embryo Cardiogenesis, W. Kimryn Rathmell

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Fibronectin is believed to play a directional role in the migration of precardiac mesodermal cells and m~y be involved in other aspects of cardiogenesis. In this study we investigated the role of fibronectin in the development development of heart beat by employing a chick precardiac explant culture system. Fibronectin is recognized by an integrin receptor molecule via an RGD amino acid sequence. Using a synthetic RGD peptide we have blocked the ability of any existing receptor molecules to interact with fibronectin in an attempt to break communication of the mesodermal cells with the extracellular environment. Explanted tissues treated with this …