Alterations in lipopolysaccharides of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
grown on different carbon sources resulting in changes in biological
activities.
Lipopolysaccharides are extracted from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains grown on branched-chain carbon sources and then chemically
characterized. Comparative analyses include fatty acids, neutral
and amino carbohydrates, amino compounds, and phosphate groups.
Changes in biological activity will be measured by complement
fixation and chemiluminesence using intact lipopolysaccharides
and lipid A.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PIs: Robert S. Conrad and Jay Bullard
Analgesia Research Laboratory (ARL)
The mission of the ARL is to investigate the mechanisms of opioid
analgesia starting with the initial binding of opioid drugs to
the opioid receptor and ending with the resulting analgesia measured
on behavioral tests. We are keen to discover the intimate molecular
details of the action of opioid analgesic drugs at their neuronal
opioid receptors. In particular, there are three main types of
opioid receptors expressed in mammalian CNS tissue. It is not
known which type of opioid receptor (mu, delta, or kappa) is most
important for producing analgesia in humans. We approach this
question of opioid receptor function using an earlier-evolved
vertebrate model, by gaining an evolutionary perspective to mechanisms
of opioid analgesia. Our work to date has led to the unireceptor
hypothesis of opioid action, whereby opioid receptor molecules
in amphibians may be primordial to the resultant mu, delta, and
kappa opioid receptors in higher mammals. The functional evolution
of opioid receptors is investigated by radioligand binding studies,
in Dr. Dave Wallace's lab, and by behavioral pharmacology studies
in the laboratory.
Sponsors: National Institutes of Health, Whitehall Foundation,
American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, and OSU-COM intramural
funds
PI: Craig W. Stevens
Adipocyte Steroid Receptor Dynamics in Obese Sheep
This project studies the presence and physiological significance
of sex steroid receptors in adipose tissue in lean and obese sheep.
The goal is to better understand fat cell metabolism and fat deposition
in humans and other species.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PIs: Gary H. Watson and Jary S. Mayes
Joseph McCann (OSU College of Veterinary Medicine)
Alterations in Lipopolysaccharides of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Strains With Varying Antibiotic Susceptibilities
Lipopolysaccharides are extracted from wild type, resistant, and
supersensitive strains of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and then chemically
characterized. Comparative analyses include fatty acids, neutral
and acidic carbohydrates, amino compounds, and phosphate groups.
This proposal will study the relationships between chemical structures,
membrane architecture, and antibiotic sensitivity.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: Robert S. Conrad
Amphibian Research Laboratory (1)
The goals of the laboratory are to establish an alternative, non-mammalian
model for the assessment of opioid analgesia and, more generally,
for use in pain research. Studies use a variety of analgesic agents
administered to the grass frog, Rana pipiens, which are then observed
for behavioral changes. Ongoing studies are examining the relative
potency of opioid agents, tolerance and dependence, and the physiology
of endogenous opioid agents (endorphins) in amphibians. We are
also using receptor autoradiography to visualize the specific
sites in the vertebrate Central Nervous System mediating opioid
analgesia.
Sponsors: Whitehall Foundation, Inc. and National Institutes
of Health/National Institute for Drug Abuse
PI: Craig W. Stevens
Biological Effects of Small Venom Peptides
Studies of the effects of small venom peptides from on cell physiology.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: J.A. Price
Characterization of Immunotherapy for Melanoma
A vaccine for immunotherapy of melanomas has been developed from
whole tumor extracts and is being characterized to determine antigenic
components.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PIs: Jary Mayes, Joseph Price and Charles Sanny
Michael McGee (OUHSC in Tulsa)
Chemotactic Responses by Amebae
Little is understood about the tissue tropism of the certain amebae
that infect the brain. Studies are clarifying aspects of their
sensory biology.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PIs: J.A. Price and David T. John
Anatomical Route of CNS Amebic Infections
Light and electron microscopy are being utilized to confirm the
path taken by aspirated pathogenic freeliving amebae to the brain
of infected animals.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PIs: Kirby Jarolim and David T. John
Chromatography
New chromatographic approaches to antibody measurement and in
vivo visualization are under development.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PIs: J.A. Price and Charles Sanny
Developing Diagnostic Assays to Baboon Cytomegalovirus
This is a FIRST (for independent research scientists in training)
award funded by the National Institutes of Health. Baboons represent
an invaluable source of xenogeneic organ donors for human patients
to relieve the great lack of human donor organs. However, the
risk of transmitting or allowing the establishment of a zoonotic
virus in humans is a real and frightening consideration. This
proposed study will focus on cytomegalovirus (CMV) since this
is the most commonly transmitted virus in human transplantation
procedures and is a major cause of many problems in immunosuppressed
transplant recipients. This project will identify the indigenous
CMV of baboons (BaCMV) and develop sensitive diagnostic assays.
These tests will be capable of detecting BaCMV-infected potential
organ donors, and will be useful in screening baboons for the
establishment of specific pathogen free (SPF) breeding colonies.
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health
PI: Earl Blewett
Dopaminergic Mechanisms in the CNS
The primary research interests of this laboratory involve investigation
into CNS dopaminergic systems. The first project investigates
the effect of altered energy metabolism and aging on dopaminergic
function and its possible role in neurodegenerative disorders.
The second project investigates the role of the dopaminergic system
in the development of addiction to psychostimulants.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: David R. Wallace
Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Epinephrine on Water and Urea
Permeability in the Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct
This study will investigate the cellular mechanism involved with
the known inhibitory effects of dexmedetomidine and epinephrine
on arginine vasopressin-stimulated water and urea permeability
in the isolated inner medullary collecting duct of the rat kidney.
The study will provide information on how the kidney controls
water balance and excretes the metabolic waste product-urea.
Sponsor: National Science Center of Brazil - Brasilia,
Brazil
PIs: Lucia Kudo and Alexander Rouch
Genetic Analysis of IVF Oocytes and Embryos
This project uses the bovine model for assessing chromosomal abnormalities
of oocytes and in-vitro produced embryos. Experiments will provide
critical insight into the relationship of in-vitro fertilization
(IVF) and chromosomal abnormalities, and its correlation to decreased
birth rates among individuals attempting assisted reproductive
technologies. Data will provide greater insight for improving
the success rates of IVF produced embryos transferred to the uterus
for subsequent development to term.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science
and Technology (OCAST)
PI: Lee F. Rickords
Effect of Nerves on Kidney Function
This project is designed to study the physiological mechanisms
associated with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the kidney. The
study will investigate signal transduction processes involved
with alpha-2 mediated inhibition of water and ion transport in
the cortical collecting duct of the rat kidney. The project will
utilize the experimental methodology of the isolated perfused
kidney tubule technique and will add information on how the kidney
controls salt and water balance.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: Alexander Rouch
Hypobaric Physiology
In collaboration with OSU's Department of Aviation and Space Education
(both at Stillwater and through University Center at Tulsa) the
impact of simulated high altitude is being examined in human and
in animal models subjected to acute or chronic exposure in a 20-man
United States Air Force Guardite Hypobaric Chamber. Special emphasis
is placed upon acute and chronic adaptations elicited in response
to these hypoxic stimuli. Vision, cognitive ability, hematopoiesis,
respiratory dynamics, and various cardiovascular parameters are
being examined in both sedentary and exercising subjects. The
effects of age, previous exercise-training, and gender upon hypoxic
tolerance are being evaluated.
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force and Oklahoma State Regents for
Higher Education
PIs: Loren G. Martin, Thomas W. Allen, George M. Brenner,
L. Thomas Brewster, Michael H. Pollak, and Kenneth E. Wiggins
Immunomodulation by Analgesics and Drugs of Abuse
This project will systematically examine and characterize the
effects of analgesics, in particular, narcotics and drugs of abuse
such as methamphetamine, on immune function in an animal model.
Both acute and chronic administration of morphine has been shown
to suppress immune function in humans and rodents. Immunomodulation
by related narcotic analgesics and methamphetamine will be investigated
by examining antigen-specific immune responses both in-vivo and
in-vitro. The role in intervening neuroendocrine systems will
be evaluated by pharmacological manipulation of these systems.
This study will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms
of drug-immune interactions and may provide insights into the
development of more effective analgesics, which do not alter immune
function.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: Jena G. Hamra
Intermediate Filaments in Mitosis
The role of intermediate filaments in mitosis is currently being
investigated. Immunoelectronmicroscopy, immunohistochemistry,
immuno-fluorescence, mammalian cell culture, and high voltage
electron microscopy are used to study cells as they progress through
mitosis. The interaction of the intermediate filament system with
other cytoskeletal components (microtubules and microfilaments)
is also being explored. The status of the cytoskeleton in transformed
or cancerous cells is a topic of interest with emphasis on the
transfer of information between the cell membrane and the nuclear
membrane. The function of cyclic AMP in this mechanism is being
studied.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: William D. Meek
Interaction of Antibodies with Toxins
This project studies the interaction of monoclonal and polyclonal
antibodies with various toxins using high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC). Methods are being developed to determine binding constants
in complex mixtures.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: Charles G. Sanny
Lipoproteins, Steroids, and Reproductive Physiology of Cattle
Relationships of body conditioning to serum lipoprotein and steroid
levels, and their relationships to the reproductive capacity of
cows.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: Jary Mayes
Robert Wettemann (OSU Department of Animal Science)
Pathogenic Freeliving Amebae
Occurring in the environment, pathogenic freeliving amebae cause
serious human disease including infections of the eye and the
central nervous system. The goal of this research is to isolate,
identify, and determine the environmental distribution of pathogenic
freeliving amebae. Additionally, there is involvement in studies
aimed at determining the factors responsible for pathogenicity
and resistance.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: David T. John
Renal Control of Sodium Excretion
Research in this laboratory applies in vivo and cellular approaches
to determine the role of the kidney in maintaining fluid electrolyte
balance. The focus of these studies is on neural, humoral, and
paracrine factors and how they influence renal vascular and tubular
(epithelial) function. The renal epithelial experiments incorporate
advanced quantitative techniques to test theories on the mechanism
of action of numerous transporters in regulating transepithelial
electrolyte transport.
This research program is currently focused on two areas: renal
vascular and epithelial actions of gastrointestinal hormones and
mechanism of regulation of transepithelial NaCl transport. Experiments
are conducted in the following areas: Cellular techniques to study
renal tubular function (isolated perfused tubules, primary cultures
and renal cell lines); In vivo preparations (rat) to study renal
vascular and epithelial function; advanced simulation experiments
to study the cellular mechanisms of transepithelial NaCl transport
and how it is regulated in epithelial cells.
Sponsor: OCAST
PI: Bruce Benjamin
Vision Research Program
The Vision Research Program at OSU-COM conducts interdisciplinary
investigations into the neurobiology of vision and methods to
restore sight to the diseased eye. The goal of this research is
to develop, fabricate, and implant a neuroprosthetic device to
restore or improve vision in an eye with a damaged or diseased
retina. An "artificial vision system" is under development
in a collaborative effort of neuroscientists, electrical engineers,
medical geneticists, and retinal surgeons. Several animal models
and computer simulations are used to develop the components of
the retinal implant and its microtechnology. Electrophysiological,
neuronal tissue culture, retinal blood flow, and semiconductor
and laser technology are utilized. Current studies concern the
design of an implantable retinal prosthesis with capability of
detecting motion in the visual field.
Sponsor: College Seed Grant
PI: Warren E. Finn and Peter LaPristi
Electrical Engineering Department (University of Tulsa)