Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons^™

Comprehensive Topological, Geometric, And Hemodynamic Analysis Of The Rat Gluteus Maximus Arteriolar Networks, Mohammed K. Al Tarhuni

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The objective of this thesis was to measure the geometric and topological properties of complete arteriolar networks within skeletal muscle, and to use these data as ideal inputs in a computational blood flow model in order to analyze the corresponding hemodynamic properties. Specifically, we sought to measure the levels of structural and hemodynamic heterogeneity exhibited within and between arteriolar networks. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to image and construct photomontages of complete arteriolar networks of the rat gluteus maximus muscle under baseline conditions. Arteriolar diameters, lengths, and inter-connections were analyzed and grouped according to a centrifugal ordering scheme. For all networks …

Regulation Of Phosphatase And Tensin Homolog Expression And Activity By Transforming Growth-Factor Beta In The Trabecular Meshwork Cells: Implications For Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Nikoleta Tellios

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Glaucoma is a multifactorial condition caused, in part, by fibrosis of the sieve-like trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue, which impedes drainage of aqueous humor (AH), leading to increased intraocular pressure and associated optic nerve damage and blindness. Fibrosis of the TM is mainly caused by the increased levels of active transforming growth factor-β 2 (TGFβ2) in the AH of glaucoma patients.

Previous reports have shown that TGFβ decreases the expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) gene and that PTEN is a major regulator of ECM deposition. In this study we investigate the regulation of PTEN protein expression and …