Medical Anatomy Commons^™

Central Activation Of Orl-1 Receptors In Heart Failure Models, Jeffrey Angell

Theses & Dissertations

Heart failure is a prevalent and debilitating disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide and is the leading cause of death in the United States. While various therapeutic strategies have been developed and approved to manage heart failure, exploration of novel targets and mechanisms are essential for improving patient outcomes. This thesis investigates the therapeutic potential of the central activation of opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL-1) by nociceptin in a rodent heart failure model.

Furthermore, this study aims to elucidate the central mechanisms underlying nociceptin induced cardiovascular and renal effects in heart failure. This involves investigating neuronal pathways and …

Cystic Duct Morphology And Heister Valves: A Cadaveric Study, Cierra R. Goerish

Theses & Dissertations

Continued occurrence of cholelithiasis, gallstones, commonly results in cholecystectomy, removal of the gallbladder. Having a comprehensive anatomical, histological, and physiological knowledge of the biliary apparatus is imperative in clinical medicine today. Additionally, the functionality of cystic duct (CD) Heister valves (HV) has been speculatory since being reported in 1732. This study summarizes the morphology, orientation, and variability of the gross biliary system and provides data to help justify HV functionality.

Cadaveric dissection was utilized for gross observation and analysis of the biliary system. The angulation of the CD was found primarily as an acute angle; however, obtuse angulation could be …

The Effect Of Dust Mite Extract On Esophageal Tight Junctions In Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Kyle Hinz

Theses & Dissertations

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that effects individuals of all ages. EE is mediated by an allergen response, causing the release of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and subsequent inflammation and eosinophil migration and infiltration of the esophagus through the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway and CD4+ T-cells. EE has typically been associated with food allergies, but studies have shown that aeroallergens can cause EE as well. Current treatments of EE have primarily focused on nonspecific methods, though anti-TSLP is beginning to be tested as a possible treatment for EE. The aim of this study was to see …

Understanding The Chondrogenic Potential Of Articular Chondrocytes, Krishna Sarma

Theses & Dissertations

Articular cartilage is a smooth, visco-elastic, aneural, avascular tissue made of water, an exquisitely organized framework of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and collagen fibrils and articular chondrocytes. It’s beautiful organization and composition provide it with the flexibility and strength to cover, protect and lubricate the ends of long bones in a diarthrodial joint. Cartilage homeostasis relies on articular chondrocytes to translate the mechanical forces of daily activity into efficient remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Age, joint injury, or other insulting factors can progressively incapacitate articular chondrocytes, resulting in cartilage lesions that devolve to degenerative joint disease. Therefore, the central idea explored in …