My research focuses on several aspects of reproductive physiology. One goal is to elucidate the role that endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays in luteal physiology. We have examined the genes of the ET system, which are targets for regulation by prostaglandin F-2-alpha (PGF_2a). Luteal sensitivity to ET-1 is primarily achieved by modulating the expression of the ET-1 gene. Consequently, we are blocking the action of ET-1 as a means of interfering with the luteal ET system in order to test its physiological role(s) in vivo.

We are also examining the possibility that differential expression of protein kinase C (PKC_e) might be part of the mechanism responsible for the insensitivity of the early corpus luteum (CL) to the luteolytic actions of PGF_2a. The bovine CL has commonality with the human CL not only in that PGF _2a is a luteolysin, but also that luteal synthesis of PGF_2a may be important in luteolysis. Thus, my research will contribute to a greater understanding of human reproductive physiology.

Course Links:

Biology 441 Vertebrate Microanatomy

Biology 117