Physiology Commons^™

The Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response And Behavior In Ca2+-Activated K+ (Bk) Channel Knock Out Mice And T-Cell Death-Associated Gene 8 (Tdag8) Receptor Knock Out Mice, Christine Annette Ratliff-Rang

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Some acid sensing areas in the brain control the expression of breathing and anxiety/fear including the locus coeruleus (LC) (Redmond & Huang, 1979) and the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). It has been found that knocking out T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8), a chemosensor, attenuates CO2 induced fear phenotypes in mice. However their hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) has not yet been looked at. Also, BK channels are large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels that are activated by increases in concentration of intracellular calcium ions. It has been found that BK KO rats have an increase in their HCVR (Patrone et al., 2014) however …

The Effect Of Aging On The Blood Brain Barrier Permeability And Response To Fluoxetine Enantiomers, Ethar Arkan

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We tested the effect of the fluoxetine enantiomers (S-fluoxetine and R-fluoxetine) versus Prozac (50:50 ratio of R- and S- fluoxetine enantiomers) and/or control on blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability in different brain regions in both male and female rats. The rats consumed orally the drug (5 mg/kg) or vehicle for a total of three days, then were injected with sterile Evans blue dye ip, at least 12 hours before euthanasia.. We see significant regional brain differences in BBB permeability (hippocampus has tighter BBB), significant differences based on the age of the animals (young rats show enhanced permeability in lower brain …

Measuring The Effects Of High-Fat Diet On Breathing And Oxygen-Sensitivity Of The Carotid Body Type I Cell, Ryan J. Rakoczy

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The carotid bodies (CB), the primary peripheral chemoreceptors, respond to changes in blood gases with neurotransmitter release, thereby increasing carotid sinus nerve firing frequency and ultimately correcting the pattern of breathing. It has previously been demonstrated that acute application of the adipokine leptin caused perturbations of intracellular calcium and membrane ion movement in isolated CB Type I cells (Pye et al, 2015) and augmented the response of the intact CB to hypoxia (Pye et al, 2016). This study's aim was to examine, in-vivo, if elevated leptin modulated CB function and breathing. Rats were fed high-fat chow or control chow for …

Upstream Regulators Of Vrac Activation In Human 1321n1 Astrocytoma Cells, Courtney Elyse Moore

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Cells rely on a constant volume not only for structural stability but also for normal homeostatic processes to occur. In the brain and CNS, cells can regain their normal volume through a process termed regulatory volume decrease (RVD). A key component of a cells' response to cell swelling is the activation of channel(s) responsible for the efflux of chloride current, ICl,swell. Volume regulated anion channels (VRAC) which mediate ICl,swell have been implicated in controlling cell volume during RVD, but the mechanisms which activate this channel are not completely understood. In this study, I examined the role of G protein-coupled signaling …

Testing The Optomotor Response In Sepia Bandensis, Lauren E. Thompson

Honors College Theses

Cephalopods (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish) have commonly been used as models to test visual function and camouflage due to their similarity in eye morphology with humans and because of their readily observable changes in body color in response to visual stimuli. Most studies have used a single species, Sepia officinalis, to make broad conclusions about camouflage and vision. However, these generalizations may not be applicable to all species. Here, I have examined visual function of the dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis), which differs from S. officinalis in habitat, geographic range, and size. Using the optomotor response, I quantified …

The Relationship Between Accelerometry Derived Training Loads And Srpe In Women’S College Soccer, John Abbott, Paul Moquin, Abdulmalek Bursais, Julia Kirkpatrick, Christine L. Coniglio, Jeremy A. Gentles

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Biomarkers Of Sepsis: A Retrospective Approach, Jose M. Roberts

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Background: Biomarkers are taking the spotlight in becoming the norm for early diagnoses. Sepsis is an inflammatory disease that increases metabolic rate in children. The first biomarker is hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a frequent electrolyte imbalance in clinical practice, often observed in children with inflammatory disease and infection. Presence of hyponatremia is associated with electrical signaling imbalances, inflammation and renal dysfunction. The clinical value of hyponatremia in pediatric patients is unknown. The C-reactive protein is a second biomarker. Its presence signifies that necrotic cells and inflammation are present.

Objectives: To evaluate the use of biomarkers in children seen in the Emergency …

Functional Studies Of Novel Mosquito Stage-Specific Genes In The Malaria Parasite, Plasmodium Berghei., Kaitlyn Kiernan

Master's Theses

The development and survival of the malaria parasite Plasmodium within its mosquito vector is not very well understood. When the parasite is taken up by an Anopheles mosquito, it is exposed to digestive enzymes, reactive oxygen species, increasing pH, decreasing temperature, and a diverse microbial flora. Our lab is studying the adaptive mechanisms underlying parasite survival in this hostile environment, one of which is movement out of the midgut. In order to escape the midgut, the parasite develops into an elongated, motile form called the ookinete. I am investigating two genes, thioredoxin-like protein 1 (trxl-1) and subpellicular microtubule protein 1 …

Quantification Of Brain-Region Specific Alterations In Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Expression During Developmental Hypothyroidism, Cari Lee Graber-Feesl

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Insufficient thyroid hormone (TH) during development results in permanent neurological deficits. These deficits are the result of perturbed TH-mediated brain development. Interestingly, insufficient insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf-1) during development results in neurological deficits that are similar to those reported for developmental hypothyroidism. This observation suggests that deficits associated with low TH during development may be the result of altered Igf-1 expression in the developing brain. To test this, timed-pregnant mice were treated with thyroid gland inhibitors from gestational day 16 (GD16) until postnatal day 21 (P21) to induce a hypothyroid state. A parallel set of untreated timed-pregnant mice were …

Hydrogen Peroxide And Pharmacological Agent Modulation Of Trpv2 Channel Gating, Tuoxin Cao

Theses and Dissertations

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 channel (TRPV2) is a Ca²⁺-permeable ion channel that is highly expressed in leukocytes but is also present in skeletal and cardiac muscle and endocrine cells. The TRPV2 function is implicated in a number of physiological processes, including bacterial phagocytosis, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, cardiac hypertrophy, and cancer development. TRPV2 knockout mice exhibit a high incidence of perinatal mortality, arguing that the channel plays essential roles in physiology. Despite the importance of TRPV2 for normal homeostasis, the mechanisms that control TRPV2 gating in response to pharmacological agonists, heating, membrane stretch, bioactive lipids and reactive oxygen …

Po2 Dependence Of Oxygen Consumption In Skeletal Muscle Of Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Rats, Alexander C. Liles

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

PO₂ DEPENDENCE OF OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN SKELETAL MUSCLE OF DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC RATS

By: Alexander C. Liles

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at the Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2017

Advisor: Roland N. Pittman, Ph.D.

Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major medical problem around the world, affecting nearly 6% of the world’s population. This study was an attempt to better understand physiological changes the disease may cause to the microcirculation and more specifically, to …

Identification Of Expression And Function Of The Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor In Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle, Alexander T. May

Theses and Dissertations

In response to ingestion of nutrients, enteroendocrine L cells secrete the incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), to enhance glucose-dependent insulin release. Therapies related to GLP-1 are approved for type 2 diabetes. The GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is expressed in cells of the gastrointestinal tract and elsewhere. In pancreatic beta cells, GLP-1R are coupled to the Gs/cAMP/PKA pathway. The expression and function of GLP-1R in gastrointestinal smooth muscle are not known. Aim. To test the hypothesis that GLP-1 regulates smooth muscle function by acting on GLP-1R expressed on smooth muscle. Methods. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) were isolated and cultured. Expression of GLP-1R …

The Role Of Human Msc Derived Exosomes In The Treatment Of Periodontal Diseases, Sonia S. Talegaonkar

Theses and Dissertations

Periodontal disease affects 47% of Americans over 30. Characterized by microbial dysbiosis and unregulated inflammation, severe periodontitis causes degradation of bone and soft tissue around teeth. Current treatments have limited regenerative outcomes and frequent reinfection by harmful bacteria. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been shown to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. Many therapeutic benefits of hMSCs are due to their secretome products, like exosomes. Our long-term goal is to develop periodontal therapies with hMSC exosomes. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of hMSC-derived exosomes on cellular activity of hMSCs and investigate whether hMSC exosome …

Po2 Dependence Of Oxygen Consumption In Skeletal Muscle Of Hypertensive And Normotensive Rats, Habiba Shah

Theses and Dissertations

Human essential hypertension affects over 75 million people in the United States, and can lead to death due to its several serious health complications such as hypertension-related cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this research was to understand how hypertension could cause physiological changes to the microcirculation, specifically the PO₂ dependence of oxygen consumption (VO₂) in skeletal muscle of normotensive and hypertensive rats. The Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) strain was used as the diseased model, and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as controls to conduct this study. The SHR strain develops hypertension between 5-6 weeks after birth with …

Diabetes-Induced Expression And Regulation Of Glp-1 Levels By Bile Acid Receptors (Tgr5 & Fxr), Joseph R. Spengler

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes Mellitus has continued to drastically affect the health of the world and many complications can prove fatal. As long as this metabolic disease persist, research discoveries will need to continue to be made so that patient outcomes and healthcare are dramatically enhanced. In recent years, GLP-1 has been the topic of conversation for diabetes research, due to its promising effects in promoting insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, bile acids and their receptors (TGR5 & FXR) have shown promise in their actions in the regulation of GLP-1, and thus glucose homeostasis. Here we have shown the detection and increased expression of TGR5 …

The Influence Of Different Pre-Exercise Routines On Sprint Performance, Rok Mravljak

Masters Theses

Sprint performance can be enhanced by interventions for short-term (acute) purposes and/or long-term purposes. Acute neuromuscular responses are usually achieved by using different pre-exercise routines at the end of the warm-up period. Recently, there have been several studies examining the effects of various pre-exercise routines on sprint performance, yet there has not been a research study designed that compared the three most commonly used pre-exercise routines in professional and recreational sports (static stretching, dynamic stretching and foam-rolling). Therefore, this study investigated and compared the results of static stretching, dynamic stretching, self-myofascial release and the control group, in order to provide …

Influence Of Topography And Moisture And Nutrient Availability On Green Alder Function On The Low Arctic Tundra, Nt, Katherine Louise Black Ms., Jennifer Lynn Baltzer Dr.

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The Arctic has warmed by at least 3^°C over the past 50 years and this rapid warming is expected to continue. Climate warming is driving the proliferation of shrubs across the tundra biome with implications for energy balance, climate, hydrology, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. Changes in tundra plant water use attributable to shrub expansion are predicted to increase evapotranspirative water loss which may amplify local warming and reduce run-off. However, little is known about the extent to which shrubs will enhance evapotranspirative water loss in these systems. Direct measures of shrub water use are needed to accurately predict …

Effects Of 17Β Estradiol In The Metabolism And Morphology Of Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis Macrochirus), Neeta Parajulee Karki

Masters Theses

Fish natural habitats are increasingly contaminated with various estrogenic compounds, including 17β estradiol (E2). This compound causes adverse effects on the reproductive system of male fish; however, the effects of E2 on other aspects of fish metabolism, morphology and histopathological changes in internal organs are not well known. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of E2 exposure on the basal and stressed metabolic rate, morphological changes in body shapes, and histological changes in the liver tissues of sunfish species. Fish were held individually in ten gallon tanks under two treatments of 40 and 80 ng/L and …

The Effects Of Bicycling Exercise On The Metabolic Cost Of Walking In Older Adults, Daniel Hugo Aslan

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Impaired walking performance is a key determinant of morbidity among older adults. A distinctive characteristic of impaired walking performance among older adults is a greater metabolic cost compared to young adults. Specifically, healthy older adults have been shown to have a 15-20% greater metabolic cost of walking compared to young adults. However, a recent study suggests that older adults who routinely run for exercise have a lower metabolic cost of walking compared to older adults who walk for exercise. Yet, it remains unclear if other aerobic exercises such as bicycling elicits similar improvements on walking metabolic cost among older adults. …

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 …

Transient Alt Activation Protects Human Primary Cells From Chromosome Instability Induced By Low Chronic Oxidative Stress, Elisa Coluzzi, Rossella Buonsante, Stefano Leone, Anthony J. Asmar, Kelley L. Miller, Daniela Cimini, Antonella Sgura

Bioelectrics Publications

Cells are often subjected to the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of both intracellular metabolism and exposure to exogenous factors. ROS-dependent oxidative stress can induce 8-oxodG within the GGG triplet found in the G-rich human telomeric sequence (TTAGGG), making telomeres highly susceptible to ROS-induced oxidative damage. Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes that protect the ends of linear chromosomes and their dysfunction is believed to affect a wide range of cellular and/or organismal processes. Acute oxidative stress was shown to affect telomere integrity, but how prolonged low level oxidative stress, which may be more physiologically relevant, affects telomeres …

The Role Of Creg1 As A Master Regulator Of Liver Function, Abdulrahman Siran Aldaghmi

Masters Theses

The liver is known as the chemical factory of the body because it performs a wide range of biochemical functions required for life. Since the liver has such an important role in regulation of normal physiological processes, liver diseases cause a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of liver development will shed light on the causes of liver disease. In this study, a cell line model that utilizes rat hepatoma cells (Fg14) and hepatoma variant cells (H11) was used to identify master regulators of liver gene expression. Whole genome expression studies identified the gene CREG1 (Cellular …

The Effects Of Limb Dominance On Cross-Education In A Four Week Resistance Training Program, Caitlin Wend

Masters Theses

Cross-education is known as the phenomenon of strength transfer from the trained side of the body to the untrained side of the body by unilateral resistance training. Research has shown that limb dominance has an effect on the amount of strength that is gained on the untrained side. Studies have found that there is a greater cross over effect in strength from the dominant side of the body to the non-dominant side of the body than vice versa. The present study examined this effect by taking 12 college females and splitting them into three groups: dominant training, non-dominant training, and …

Metabolic And Morphologic Shifts In Neuro2a Cells Cultured In Galactose Medium, Leah Welker

Masters Theses

It has been observed that highly-proliferating cells, such as cancer cells, rely mainly on glycolysis for ATP production, regardless of presence of oxygen. This effect, however, can be reversed by changing the main energy substrate in the medium from glucose to galactose. The oxidation of galactose in glycolysis yields less net ATP, presumably forcing the cell into OXPHOS. This has been established in many cell lines, including HeLA, HepG2, and skeletal muscle cells. As of yet, this has not been reproduced in neuronal cells. Using Neuro2a, a murine neuroblastoma cell line, this study exposes neuronal cells to galactose medium, and …

Araucaria In The Urban Landscape: A Novel Leaning Pattern And Evidence Of Cultivated Hybridization, Jason W. Johns

Master's Theses

Our understanding of the natural world is constantly evolving and strengthening as more observations are made and experiments are performed. For example, we understand that tree stems grow toward the light (positive phototropism; Darwin 1880, Loehle 1986, Christie et al. 2013) and against gravity (negative gravitropism; Knight 1806, Hashiguchi et al. 2013). We also know that plants respond to mechanical stimulus and perturbation (thigmotropism; Braam 2005). Genes and their resulting proteins have been described to uncover some of the mechanisms for these environmental responses, but relatively speaking, we have just scratched the surface (Wyatt et al. 2013). While the discovery …

Improving The Player's Recruiting Process By Using Scenario Based Analysis Methodology, Dotan I. Shvorin, Kevin M. Taaffe

Dr. Dotan Shvorin