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Dna-Damage-Independent Mitochondrial Dysfunction Drives A Loss Of Retina Function Prior To Neuron Death In The Harlequin Mouse Model Of Aging, Alex Michael Laliberte

Digitized Theses

Although there are many aging-associated retinal diseases, the aging mechanisms which initiate retinal disease remain elusive. To investigate this problem, a model of premature aging, the harlequin mouse, was examined for deficits in retinal function, anatomy and histology, as well as changes in retinal oxidative stress, gene expression and mitochondrial DNA damage. Retinal function of the harlequin mouse, as assessed by electroretinography, was compromised in advance of change in retinal anatomy and histology. Functional deficits occurred in parallel with increased oxidative stress, assessed by in situ dihydroethidium staining. Furthermore, microarray transcriptome analysis of harlequin mice identified markers of mitochondrial stress, …

Investigating The Effects Of Oropharyngeal Sensory Stimulation On Swallowing, Julie A. Theurer

Digitized Theses

This series of studies examined the effects of oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation on saliva swallowing. The first study sought to determine whether air-pulse trains delivered to the peritonsillar area facilitate swallowing in healthy young adult subjects. Trains of unilateral, or bilateral, air pulses were delivered to the peritonsillar area while swallows were simultaneously identified from their associated laryngeal and respiratory

movements. Results in four subjects indicated that oropharyngeal air-pulse stimulation evoked an irrepressible urge to swallow, followed by an overt swallow as verified by laryngeal and respiratory movements. In addition, air-pulse stimulation was associated with a significant increase in saliva swallowing …