Life Sciences Commons^™

A Study Of The Effect Of Physiological Stressors On Hypothalamic Regulation Of Reproduction Using An In Vitro System, Lisa L. Amelse

Doctoral Dissertations

Stressors have a negative impact on reproductive efficiency in humans and other animals, which has an economic cost due to infertility treatments for humans and reduced income for food producers. We wished to determine the molecular pathways by which metabolic disturbances and low-level inflammation impact the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis using an in vitro model. To this end, we used the GT1-7 cell line, an immortalized line expressing the Kiss1R receptor that responds to kisspeptin stimulation with the release of GnRH to assess the impact of stressors on the GnRH-releasing cells. Additionally, we used the KTaV-3 and KTaR-1[A1] …

The Effect Of Bovine Endometrial Cell Conditioned Media On In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryo Development And Gene Expression, Mary A. Oliver

Masters Theses

In vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos provide enhanced genetic value and a means for studying early embryonic development. However, IVP embryos are developmentally compromised and are lower quality compared to in vivo derived (IVD) embryos. Consequently, after transfer pregnancy rates from IVP embryos are consistently lower, as they exhibit the highest amounts of pregnancy failure during the early embryonic phase (prior to day 28). Progesterone (P4) has been shown to influence bovine endometrial epithelial (EPI) and stromal fibroblast (SF) cells to secrete developmentally important molecules that promote early embryo development and conceptus elongation. However, IVP embryos are not exposed to …

Reproductive Timing Of The Scarlet Shiner (Lythrurus Fasciolaris) In Northern Alabama, Bruce Stallsmith, Toacca Taylor, Chelsie Smith

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

The Scarlet Shiner (Lythrurus fasciolaris) is a cyprinid species widely distributed in parts of the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee river drainages of the United States. The objective of this study was to determine the Scarlet Shiner’s reproductive schedule. Maturation of ovaries and oocytes was determined through the categorization of developmental stages from early maturing to ripe, along with the calculation of monthly gonadosomatic index (GSI) measurements over two reproductive seasons in 2012 and 2015. In both years reproductive competence began in April. Average monthly GSI for females peaked in May, followed by a slow decline through August. Average clutch …

Design And Development Of A Quartz Crystal Microbalance Immunosensor For Exosomes, Wesley Cox

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Physiological Ecology Of Four Endemic Alabama Species And The Exotic Asiatic Weatherfish, Misgurnus Anguillicaudatus (Cantor, 1842), Lindsay M. White, Mark E. Meade, Benjamin A. Staton

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

The occurrence of Asiatic Weatherfish, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, in Alabama, a state known for its rich biodiversity, has generated concern among conservation managers. The current study used respirometry techniques to investigate the effects of increasing temperature on four native southeastern fishes (one cyprinid, two percids, and one elassomid) and the non-native M. anguillicaudatus. A minimum of five individuals of each species were used, and three experimental temperatures were chosen to represent spring and summer averages of northeast Alabama streams (15, 20, and 25°C). Overall, mean standard metabolic rates (SMRs) for M. anguillicaudatus were low (97.01, 127.75, and 158.50 mg …

Follicular Dynamics In Insulin Resistant Mares, Julio Cesar Prado

Masters Theses

Obesity and insulin resistance have been linked to prolonged interovulatory period, aberrations in the estrous cycle, and continuous reproductive activity during the non-breeding season. EMS has been determined to influence the intrafollicular environment of mare ovaries. In humans, insulin resistance has been linked to polycystic ovaries as part of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A study was conducted to determine 1) the impact of insulin resistance on follicle growth and size at ovulation, and 2) whether predicted ovulatory follicles respond to hCG administration in Insulin-resistant (IR) mares. Mares were selected for the study based on insulin sensitivity and separated into an …

Long-Term Treatment With Insulin And Retinoic Acid Increased Glucose Usage In L6 Muscle Cells Via Glycogenesis, Matthew Ray Goff

Doctoral Dissertations

Skeletal muscle glucose metabolism can affect whole body glucose homeostasis significantly. Vitamin A (VA) plays a role in a number of physiological functions including glucose metabolism. However, its role in skeletal muscle glucose metabolism has not been well established. Insulin controls glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle via the regulations of glucose uptake, glycogenesis, and glycolysis. We hypothesize that insulin and VA signaling pathways may converge to regulate glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Here, the effects of retinoic acid (RA) alone and in combination with insulin on glucose utilization in rat L6 muscle cells were studied. L6 cells were treated …

The Effects Of Actigraph Bandpass Filtering On Activity Counts During Continuous And Intermittent Lifestyle Activity, Samuel Robert Lamunion

Masters Theses

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore how increasing the upper limit of the bandpass filter frequency range affected accelerometer counts collected during treadmill walking and running, car driving and intermittent lifestyle activities METHODS: Part A included treadmill walking, running, and car driving (N=20) (mean ± [plus or minus] SD; age, 24.4±3.4 years; body mass index (BMI, 26.4±3.3 kg/m² [kilograms per meter squared]). Part B included ten lifestyle activities ranging from sedentary behaviors to vigorous intensities (N=30) (mean±SD; age, 23.0±2.3 years; BMI, 25.1±3.8 kg/m²). Participants wore an ActiGraph accelerometer (GT3X+ in Part A and GT9X …

The Characterization Of Amyloid Fibrils And Novel Synthetic Heparin-Binding Peptides Binding To Cell Surfaces, Nicole Marie Hackenbrack

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Aminocyclopyrachlor Efficacy For Non-Cropland Weed Control, José Javier Vargas Almodóvar

Masters Theses

The production of chemicals for crop protection purposes evolved after World War II with the commercialization of the auxin herbicides 2,4-D and MCPA. Their utility and effectiveness created an interest for North American and European companies to develop and research thousands of agrochemicals available today.

Recently discovered and introduced to the market by DuPont Crop Protection, aminocyclopyrachlor is the first broad spectrum synthetic auxin herbicide in this chemical class, and is structurally similar to the auxin herbicides: aminopyralid, clopyralid and picloram. Aminocyclopyrachlor has activity on broadleaf weed species with limited activity on monocot species. Aminocyclopyrachlor is absorbed via plant roots …

Effects Of Leaflet Orientation And Root Morphology On Physiological Traits And Yield In Soybeans., Richard Dewayne Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations

Drought is the most important abiotic stress adversely affecting soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield. Leaflet orientation has been shown to reduce leaflet temperatures and transpiration while root morphology has been related to slower wilting phenotypes. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of leaflet orientation and rooting morphology on whole plant transpiration, yield, water use efficiency, and other physiological traits in soybeans using grafting techniques, population lines, near-isogenic lines, and restrained leaf canopy experiments. Experiments were conducted in Knoxville, TN with additional yield trial plots at Springfield, Spring Hill, and Milan, TN. Data were collected on …

A Literature Review Of Risk Factors For The Development Of Breast Cancer: Risks And Prevention Methods, Anna K. Manneschmidt

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Heifer Estrous Cycle Stage Impacts Luteinizing And Growth Hormone Response To Kisspeptin, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

The reproductive neuropeptide, kisspeptin (KP), may have a role in regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion. Expression of KP and its receptor (Kiss1r) are developmentally and hormonally regulated. This study was conducted to determine the effects of KP on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and GH in pubertal heifers during different functional reproductive stages. Heifers received a single injection of KP (100 pmole / kg) or saline intravenously during proestrus, estrus, and diestrus, and serial blood samples were collected for 3 hours to determine the response of both LH and GH after treatment. Mean concentrations of LH were increased …

Effect Of Kisspeptin On Regulation Of Growth Hormone, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Herris S. Maxwell, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin ( KP ), a neuroendocrine regulator of reproduction, is hypothesized to be an integrator of metabolism and hormones critical to the regulation of reproduction. Lactation is associated with enhanced growth hormone (GH) responsiveness and reduced fertility. Our study was designed to determine the effects of lactation on KP-stimulated GH and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Five non-lactating and five lactating dairy cows were used in the study. Experiments were conducted with lactating cows at weeks 1, 5 and 11 after parturition. The experimental treatments ( saline and KP [100 and 400 pmol / kg body weight]) were given intravenously and …

The Effect Of Kisspeptin Receptor Agonist (Ftm080) On Luteinizing Hormone In Sheep, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Maria Hes, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin, S. Oishi, N. Fujii

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) agonists with increased half-life and similar efficacy to kisspeptin (KP) in vitro potentially may provide beneficial applications in breeding management of many species. However, many of these agonists have not been tested in vivo. This study was designed to test the effect of a Kiss1r agonist (FTM080) on luteinizing hormone (LH) in vivo. Sheep were treated with FTM080 (500 pmol/kg BW) or sterile water in a 2-ml bolus via the jugular cannula. Serial blood samples were collected every 15-min before (1 hr) and after (1 hr) treatment. Intravenous (IV) injection of FTM080 increased (P < 0.05) LH plasma concentrations through the 45-min sample following treatment. Moreover, the area under the curve of LH in the period from 0 to 60-min following FTM080 treatment was also increased (P < 0.05). These data provide evidence to suggest that FTM080 stimulates the gonadotropic axis of ruminants in vivo.

Genetic And Nutritional Studies To Elucidate The Role Of Adipose Tissue In The Pathogenesis Of Metabolic Syndrome, Nishan Sudheera Kalupahana

Doctoral Dissertations

Obesity is a major health problem in the United States and worldwide. It increases the risk for type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A chronic low-grade inflammation occurring in white adipose tissue (WAT) is causally linked to the development of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome and obesity-associated chronic diseases. The aim of this dissertation research was to elucidate the WAT function in metabolic syndrome using genetic (overexpression of an adipose pro-inflammatory hormone, angiotensinogen) and nutritional manipulations/approaches (caloric restriction and omega-3 fatty acids), with specific emphasis on the role of inflammation.

Previous research indicates that WAT renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is overactivated in …

Why Is There Still So Much Confusion About Vo2 Plateau? A Re-Examination Of The Work Of A.V. Hill, Richard Vincent Castle

Masters Theses

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) is regarded as the gold standard for assessing aerobic fitness. In 1923, Hill et al. proposed that VO_2max represents the maximal ability of the body to take in and consume O₂ during strenuous exercise. Recently, however, controversy has arisen over the issue of whether a leveling off, or "plateau" in VO₂ is necessary to verify attainment of VO_2max. Purpose: To compare two different VO_2max protocols and determine if both protocols show direct evidence of an upper limit on VO₂. Methods: Nine runners (18-35 years old) completed …

The ‘Helper’ Phenotype: A Symbiotic Interaction Between Prochlorococcus And Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Microorganisms, James Jeffrey Morris

Doctoral Dissertations

The unicellular cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus is the numerically dominant photosynthetic organism throughout the temperate and tropical open oceans, but it is difficult to grow in pure cultures. We developed a system for rendering spontaneous streptomycin-resistant mutants of Prochlorococcus axenic by diluting them to extinction in the presence of “helper” heterotrophic bacteria, allowing them to grow to high cell concentrations, and then killing the helpers with streptomycin. Using axenic strains obtained in this fashion, we demonstrated that Prochlorococcus experiences a number of growth defects in dilute axenic culture, including reduced growth rate, inability to form colonies on solid media, and higher incidence …

A Comparison Of Commonly Used Accelerometer Based Activity Monitors In Controlled And Free-Living Environment, Yuri Feito

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation was designed to determine the effects of body mass index (BMI) and walking speed on activity monitor outputs. A secondary purpose was to compare the activity monitors’ performance in a free-living environment. In the first experiment, 71 participants wore three waist-mounted activity monitors (Actical, ActiGraph, and NL-2000) and an ankle-mounted device (StepWatch 3) while walking on a treadmill (40, 67 and 94 m/min). The tilt angle of each device was measured. The Actical recorded 26% higher activity counts (P < 0.01) in obese persons with a tilt <10 degrees, compared to normal weight persons. The ActiGraph was unaffected by BMI or tilt angle. In the second experiment, the steps recorded by the devices were compared to actual steps. Speed had the greatest influence on the accuracy these devices. At 40 m/min, the ActiGraph was the least accurate device for normal weight (38%), overweight (46%) and obese (48%) individuals. The Actical, NL-2000 and StepWatch averaged 65%, 73% and 99% of steps taken, respectively. Lastly, several generations of the ActiGraph (7164, GT1M, and GT3X), and other research grade activity monitors (Actical; ActivPAL; and Digi-Walker) were compared to a criterion measure of steps. Fifty-six participants performed treadmill walking (40, 54, 67, 80 and 94 m/min) and wore the devices for 24-hours under free-living conditions. BMI did not affect step count accuracy during treadmill walking. The StepWatch, PAL, and the AG7164 were the most accurate across all speeds; the other devices were only accurate at the faster speeds. In the free-living environment, all devices recorded about 75% of StepWatch-determined steps, except the AG7164 (99%). Based on these findings, we conclude that BMI does not affect the output of these activity monitors. However, waist-borne activity monitors are highly susceptible to under-counting steps at walking speeds below 67 m/min, or stepping rates below 100 steps/min. An activity monitor worn on the ankle is less susceptible to these speed effects and provides the greatest accuracy for step counting.

Selected Hormonal And Neurotransmitter Mechanisms Regulating, James L. Sartin, Joseph A. Daniel, Brian K. Whitlock, Robyn R. Wilborn

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Appetite control is a major issue in normal growth and in suboptimal growth performance settings. A number of hormones, in particular leptin, activate or inhibit orexigenic or anorexigenic neurotransmitters within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, where feed intake regulation is integrated. Examples of appetite regulatory neurotransmitters are the stimulatory neurotransmitters neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP), orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone and the inhibitory neurotransmitter, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Examination of messenger RNA (using in situ hybridization and realtime PCR) and proteins (using immunohistochemistry) for these neurotransmitters in ruminants has indicated that physiological regulation occurs in response to fasting for several …

Changes In Plasma Concentrations Of Leptin In Ewes During Pregnancy, Joseph A. Daniel, A B. Milam, M E. Gafnea, Brian K. Whitlock, D H. Keisler

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Previous research has demonstrated circulating concentrations of leptin increase in ewes during mid pregnancy then decline in late pregnancy and early lactation. The objective of this study was to more narrowly define the timing of changes in circulating concentrations of leptin with pregnancy in ewes. Katahdin ewes (n= 19) located at latitude 34.275 and longitude -85.183 (Mount Berry, GA) were utilized. Blood samples were collected weekly via jugular veinpuncture beginning immediately before ram exposure on September 23 and continuing until 4 weeks post-lambing. Ewes were exposed to a ram fitted with a marking harness for a 63 day breeding season. …

Effect Of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor On Feed Intake And Body Temperature In Sheep, James L. Sartin, D L. Marks, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Barbara P. Steele

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been suggested to function as a potent inhibitor of feed intake in rodents. These studies were designed to determine whether LIF was found in the ovine hypothalamus and whether LIF inhibited feed intake in sheep. Sheep hypothalami were used to clone LIF to indicate presence of the gene in the hypothalamus. The sequence was similar to published data. Another group of sheep were provided intraventricular (ICV) cannulas and injected with doses of LIF at 250, 500, 1000 and 2500 ng per sheep, ICV. Feed intake was inhibited by the 1000 and 2500 ng dose (trt, …

Changes In Plasma Concentrations Of Growth Hormone And Luteinizing Hormone In Ewes Following Central And Peripheral Treatment With Kisspeptin, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin (KP), a neuroendocrine regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone, has been hypothesized as an integrator of nutrition and hormones critical to metabolism and regulation of reproduction. Recent evidence suggests growth hormone (GH) secretion may be influenced by KP. The objective of this study was to determine if the GH stimulatory effect of KP is due to actions on the hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland in ewes. Adult ovariectomized ewes (n=8) were fitted with intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula to facilitate central administration of experimental treatments. Ewes received one of eight treatments [four intravenously (IV) and four ICV]. Peripheral treatments [0 (Veh), 100, …

Accuracy Of Physical Activity Monitors In Pregnant Women, Christopher P. Connolly

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine the step count accuracy of three pedometers and one accelerometer in pregnant women during treadmill walking. Methods: Subjects were 30 women in the second or third trimester (20-36 weeks) who were screened for pregnancy-related risk factors. Each subject was fitted with a belt containing three physical activity monitors: Yamax Digiwalker SW-200 (DW), New Lifestyles NL 2000 (NL), and GT3X Actigraph accelerometer (ACT). The Omron HJ-720 (HJ) was placed in the pants pocket. Subjects walked at 54, 67, 80, and 94 m•min-1 for two minutes each. Actual steps were determined by an investigator using a hand-tally counter. Percentage …

Early Vessel Evolution And The Diversification Of Wood Function: Insights From The Malagasy Canellales, Patrick Joseph Hudson

Masters Theses

Xylem vessels have long been proposed as a key innovation for the ecological diversification of angiosperms by providing a breakthrough in hydraulic efficiency to support high rates of photosynthesis and growth. However, recent studies demonstrated that angiosperm woods with structurally ‘primitive’ vessels did not have greater whole stem hydraulic capacities as compared to vesselless angiosperms. As an alternative to the hydraulic superiority hypothesis, the heteroxylly hypothesis proposes that subtle hydraulic efficiencies of primitive vessels over tracheids enabled new directions of functional specialization in the wood. However, the functional properties of early heteroxyllous wood remain unknown. We selected the two species …

Farm Focus - Spring 2010, Brian K. Whitlock, Matt Welborn, Maria Prado, Amy Plummer

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Farm Focus - Fall 2009, Brian K. Whitlock, Matt Welborn, Maria Prado, Amy Plummer

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Farm Focus - Spring 2009, Brian K. Whitlock, Matt Welborn, Maria Prado, Amy Plummer

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Lactation And Negative Energy Balance On Kisspeptin-Stimulated Luteinizing Hormone And Growth Hormone In Dairy Cows, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Herris S. Maxwell, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin, a neuroendocrine regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone, is hypothesized to integrate nutrition and hormones critical to metabolism and the regulation of reproduction. Since the negative energy balance of early lactation is associated with reduced fertility via suppression of gonadotropin secretion and enhanced growth hormone (GH) responsiveness, this experiment was designed to determine the effects of stage of lactation and negative energy balance on kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) and GH concentrations. Five nonlactating [5.1 ± 0.8 (SEM) years; 577 ± 19 kg body weight (BW)] and five lactating [4.1 ± 0.6 years; 608 ± 11 kg BW] multiparous …

Changes In Body Composition And Physical Activity Behavior In A Group Of College Freshmen, Tracy A. Swibas

Masters Theses

PURPOSE: To compare: 1-the physiological profile of former athletes (Ath) and non-athletes (Non-Ath) upon college entrance, 2-PA levels in these groups, and 3-changes in physiological profile and PA level of former Ath and Non-Ath and females and males over the course of freshman year. Sixty-two college freshmen were tested during the initial weeks of the school year and again during the final weeks of the school year; the sample consisted of 32 former Ath (18 females and 14 males) and 30 Non-Ath (19 females and 11 males). METHODS: Body composition (BC) was assessed using the Bod Pod with a conversion …