Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1999, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Keratoderma Hereditaria Mutilans (KHM) or Vohwinkel's Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant skin disease characterized primarily by diffuse hyperkeratosis of both the palmar and the plantar regions of the skin. Other prominent features include an increase in the levels of B-glucuronidase enzyme in both serum and urine. It has now been established that Vohwinkel's Syndrome is a direct result of a defect found in the gene encoding a structural protein located within the cornified cellular envelope of the skin. This protein is known as loricrin. The exact chromosomal location of the specific loricrin gene was found to be in the lq21 position, mapped within the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). It is believed that a frameshift mutation within the loricrin gene causes a significant decrease in the flexibility of the cornified cell envelope layer by impairing and disrupting its ability to properly crosslink loricrin thereby contributing to an impairment in barrier function causing patients with Vohwinkel's Syndrome to retain water within the keratinocytes.

Committee: Paul Peterson (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1999, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

A novel myosin binding protein designated 53K (p53EMBP) has been identified in unfertilized sea urchin eggs. (Yabkowitz and Burgess, 1987). Antibody against p53EMPB was used to select recombinant cDNAs from a sea urchin oocyte library. An approximately 1,000 base pair sequence was obtained, a very small fragment of a much larger gene. Based on Southern blot analysis it was found that this gene codes for a very large mRNA. This indicated that the gene was much larger than the approximately 1,000 base pair sequence that had been obtained thus far. In addition, some data suggests that p53EMBP is a fragment of a much larger protein (Yabkowitz and Burgess, 1987). The goal of this study is to obtain the entire EMBP gene from sea urchin genomic DNA.

Committee: Gary Walker (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1999, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

I examined the effects of microhabitat quality on the population dynamics and the dispersal behavior of the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus, at the Browning Ferris Industries-Carbon Limestone Landfill/CLD, Mahoning County, Ohio, to identify meadow vole microhabitat selection. Voles were live trapped from May 19, 1998 to October 23, 1998 for a total of 80 traps nights using 72 Sherman traaps (4 per 0.04ha) in 16 experimental grassland patches varying in density and quality of vegetative cover. Plant species distributions were analyzed using Atlas GIS in order to determine relative coverage and dominance relationships. Dry weight biomass of standing crop and litter was used to distinguish patch quality. Grassland patches were categorized into four microhabitat types based on coverage values of the high quality forage species. Plant species present were ranked on a qualitative basis, according to diet preferences of meadow voles. Microhabitat categories with the lowest nutritional quality and vegetative cover had the highest numbers of transient voles and highest mean distance traveled by resident voles. High mean distance traveled for resident voles suggests that quality resources are not located within the microhabitat category and traveling large distances to find quality resources is required. Therefore, it appears that microhabitat quality and nutritional quality, as well as vegetative cover, has significant effects on microhabitat selection by the meadow vole.

Committee: John Usis (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1999, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

The biosynthesis of uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) can occur through two pathways. The first and most common is the de novo pathway, while the second and more unique pathway is the thymidine salvage pathway. The fungus Neurospora crassa, unlike many organisms, contains both but utilizes the second of these pathways to convert thymidine to uracil. My research focuses on the fourth enzyme of the thymidine salvage pathway, iso-orotate decarboxylase. Preliminary characterization of IDCase was determined by a radioactivity based assay using 14C to label the substrate IOA. This decarboxylation assay measures the amount of IDCase activity by detecting the amount of radio-labeled CO2 released from IOA in the reaction at a specified time point.

Committee: David Asch (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2001, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Vohwinkel's Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK). In 1995, Peris et al described as: 1.) diffuse hyperkeratosis of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet in which the skin takes on a "honey-comb" appearance. 2.) "star-fish" shaped keratotic plaques on the dorsal surface of the hands and feet, the wrists, knees, and elbows. 3.) fibrous constricting bands (pseudoainhum) at the interphalangeal joints that may eventually lead to autoamputation of that digit. 4.) the invariable appearance of the disease early in life. 5.) and familial incidence (autosomal dominant inheritance pattern). Recently, it was discovered that one of the factors contributing to the disease was a molecular defect in a single protein located in the cornified cell envelope protein, termed loricin (Mastrini, 1996). This defect seemingly impairs the differentiation process of the epidermal renewal system, by not allowing dead skin to slough off. The defect also contributes to barrier function impairment, causing affected patients to retain water in the keratinocytes. It was noted in 1988 by Camisa et al that Vohwinkel's Syndrome patients had an increased level in serum B-glucurondase. B-glucurondase is a lysosomal enzyme known to break down constitutive basement membrane proteins. It has been found in keratinocytes and Langerhan's cells. This study examined the levels of B-glucuronidase in epidermal skin punch biopsies, blood serum samples, and urine specimens from both diseased and non-diseased patients. A quantification of the levels of the enzyme was performed via a double antibody sandwich ELISA. It was hypothesized by this study that perhaps the increased levels of B-glucuronidase was compensatory for the molecular defect in loricrin.

Committee: Paul Peterson (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2001, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Rippling muscle disease has been previously described by Torbergsen, as a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by: muscle stiffness after resting, localized mounding of muscle after resting and electrically silent wave like contractions after stretching (i.e. rippling muscles). In 1990 Ansevin described a patient displaying electrically silent rippling muscles with no evidence of Myasthenia gravis. In 1995 the patient returned for treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG). At the time of treatment for MG the rippling muscles were absent. It was theorized that rippling muscles, in this patient, were the result of an autoimmune condition related to the one that brought on the MG. We have examined serum obtained from this patient with active rippling symptoms and when the rippling symptoms had abated, by western blotting. We have also examined serum obtained from two other patients with rippling muscles and MG. Results indicate that high and intermediate molecular weight antigens in skeletal muscle are recognized by autoantibodies in patients with rippling muscles, which are not present in patients with myasthenia gravis alone. The data suggest autoantibodies may be binding to stretch activated channel proteins causing the symptoms of rippling muscle.

Committee: Gary Walker (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1998, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAM's) are proteins embedded in the membranes of cells that bind to carbohydrates found on other cells. During an immune response, CAM's mediate the initial attachment of cells to the vessel wall. Tethering and "slow rolling" of the cell through the blood vessel occurs next, followed by movement of the cell through the vessel wall to the site of infection. L-selectin is a specific CAM that is initially involved in attachment of the white blood cell to the specific CAM that is initially involved in attachment of the white blood cell to the vessel wall. In order for the cell to sqeeze through the blood vessel and migrate towards the site of infection, L-selectin must be shed. Stimulation of the white blood cells can be monitored by quantitating L-selectin levels on the cells. To study the white blood cells, it is important to use an anticoagulant that will prevent clotting of the blood, but not stimulate the cells. These studies compare the effects of four well known anticoagulants; EDTA, Potassium Oxalate, Sodium Citrate and Heparin on white blood cell expression of L-selectin molecules. Blood was drawn from 7 volunteers into a vacuum tube containing one of the anticoagulants. Blood samples were removed at various timepoints up to one hour after collection and placed on ice. At one hour the cells were incubated with fluorescently labeled antibodies that bind specifically to L-selectin. Lysis buffer was added to lyse the red blood cells, leaving only the white blood cells. Paraformaldehyde was used to preserve the cells until they could be analyzed using a flow cytometer. The flow cytometer counts the cells one at a time using light patterns that deflect off of the cells. The fluorescence associated with the cells was measured to determine the L-selectin levels. The study showed that incubation in EDTA caused the least stimulation of the cells over time and therefore was the best anticoagulant to use when studying L-selectin.

Committee: Diana Fagan (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1998, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Parkinson's disease, first described in 1817, is a progressive disorder affecting men and women of middle age and older. The disease results in a disruption of normal motor function. Classic features include muscle rigidity, resting tremor, and the inability to initiate normal muscle movement. These symptoms are the result of the destruction of dopamine producing neurons in an area of the brain known as the Substantia Nigra and the subsequent depletion of dopamine in the striatum. The cause of the disorder is still unknown. Possible contributing factors proposed include environmentally acquired toxins, and/or endogenous toxic metabolic byproducts. There is also the possibility of a genetic component predisposing certain individuals to the disorder. This study was designed to investigate the modulatory and possible neuroprotective effects of the steroid hormone estrogen upon dopamine release and clearance from neurons of the nigrostriatal system. An in vivo animal model, along with the technique of in vivo electrochemistry was used to demonstrate, in real time, the characteristics of dopamine release and clearance. This is accomplished through the use of a stereotaxic instrument which allows for the placement of an electrode and micropipette assemble into specific brain regions. A neurotoxin, MPP -1 , which stimulates the biochemical events seen in Parkinson's disease was used to stimulate the release of dopamine from the nigrostriatal neurons. Female ovarectomized rats were divided into two treatment groups, MPP + alone, and MPP + with estrogen. These treatments were applied to the rat forebrain and measurement of the ensuing dopamine release were monitored using the IVEC-10 system and software capable of measuring neurochemical substances such as dopamine. Results of this study demonstrate a modulatory and/or neuroprotective effect of estrogen upon neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway by decreasing the effectiveness of MPP + to elicit the release of dopamine from t (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Robert Leipheimer (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1998, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder of unknown cause found in elderly individuals. Its symptoms, such as uncontrolled tremors, difficulty in walking, and depression, are primarily due to low levels of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which plays a major role in motor function. It has been demonstrated that specific cell death progressively occurs in the substantia nigra, a brain region rich in dopamin-containing neurons. This dopaminergic cell loss results in dopamine depletion in the neuron terminals found in the corpus striatum and nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, there seems to be evidence pointing to certain gender differences associated with Parkinson's disease, which suggests possible involvement of gonadal steroid hormones. In order to better understand the processes involved, experiments have used the neurotoxin, MPP + , which selectively destroys dopaminergic neurons. However, acute administration of MPP + stimulates dopamine release and prolongs its presence in the synaptic cleft by interfering with its re-uptake mechanism into the nerve terminals. The present study focused on the potential effects of castration in modulating the dynamics of acute MPP + -induced dopamine release from the corpus striatum and nucleus accumbens in male rats. The technique of in vivo voltammetry was utilized for direct monitoring of evoked dopamine releases in these brain regions. Results confirmed that specific dopamine release characteristics were suppressed following MPP + infusion in both the corpus striatum and nucleus accumbens when compared to potassium-stimulated responses. Results also demonstrated that MPP + was more effective in the nucleus accumbens than in the corpus striatum, suggesting a difference in sensitivity to this neurotoxin. Furthermore, castration altered the effects of MPP + in the nucleus accumbens suggesting that androgens may act in this brain region to influence the action of this neurotoxin in this area.

Committee: Robert Leipheimer (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 1998, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Studies have shown that sensitization is mediated in Aplysia californica by serotonin. This process, which causes both short-term and long-term enhancement of defensive behaviors such as gill withdrawal or tail withdrawal, can be mimicked by the application of serotonin to the nervous system. However, the cardiovascular response to sensitization has received little attention. In a previous study Litowitz demonstrated that in vitro heart rate increased immediately following sensitizing stimulation and remained elevated for at least 90 minutes (1994). This study explores the hypothesis that serotonin acts as a neuromodulator which promotes sensitization of heart rate, and when applied to the nervous system, duplicated the cardiovascular response produced by sensitizing noxious stimuli. In this experiment, the cardiovascular response to serotonin was monitored in an in vitro preparation. Heart rate was recorded following three sequential application of serotonin to the head ganglia (5x10 -5 M or 5.10 -6 M). Significant short-term increases in heart rate lasting 10 minutes were observed after each application of 5x10- 5 M serotonin. These results indicate that serotonin, acting at the central nervous system, can promote short-term enhancement of cardiovascular function.

Committee: Johanna Krontiris-Litowitz (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2007, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a response to an increase in blood volume that the heart must pump at a given period of time or an increase in resistance that blood vessels must overcome to generate an adequate cardiac output, thus adequate oxygen delivery and tissue perfusion. More than 50 million Americans have hypertension; consequently it is a public health threat and a powerful independent predictor of premature death and disability from cardiovascular complications (Ayala et al., 2005). Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to an increase in existing myocyte size and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which are accompanied by a detrimental collagen restructuring. Hemodynamic factors largely control ventricular myocyte hypertrophy, whereas, nonhemodynamic factors control increased synthesis and relative distribution of Collagen I and Collagen III fibers. Over time, pathological changes occur in the heart that lead to diastolic and systolic dysfunction and heart failure. This study was designed to characterize and quantitate myocardial Collagen I and III in the Borderline Hypertensive rat using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results of these experiments demonstrated that the optimum conditions for electrophoresis were a 10 hour CNBr digestion and a 10% gel concentration. With SDS gel electrophoresis, we were able to resolve Collagen I and III using markers at a Rf value of .95 for Collagen I and .85 for Collagen III.

Committee: J.K. Krontiris-Litowitz (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2000, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

The quinic acid (qa) gene cluster is a positively regulated system. In the absence of the inducer, quinic acid, the repressor protein binds to the activator protein, blocking transcription of the qa genes. Addition of quinic acid releases the activator protein, which is then free to bind to its activator binding sites, increasing the levels of transcription of the qa genes. The activator binding sites are composed of a 16 base pair (bp) conserved sequence, but the importance of the individual bases in the sites is currently unknown. To determine the importance of the bases, the DNA containing the activator binding site was cloned and isolated. The -127 binding site of the qa-2 gene was chosen due to its high binding affinity for the activator protein. A plasmid known to contain the entire qa cluster was digested with PstI and the fragment containing the qa-2-qa-x intergenic region was cloned into pBR322 to form plasmid 177. This was digested further with the enzymes EcoRI and PstI and the desired fragment cloned into pBluescript to form pEP, which was then digested with EcoRI and HindIII and the appropriate fragment was cloned into pBluescript to form pEH. PEH was finally digested with KpnI to give a 500 bp fragment that was cloned into M13. Using the method described by Kunkel, et al (1991), site directed mutagenesis was performed on one of the most highly conserved bases in the site. A clone was then sequenced to determine if the mutagenesis was successful. While the clone chosen did not contained the desired mutation, future students will study the remaining prepared to clones to attempt to isolate a mutant.

Committee: David Asch (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2000, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

The study of catabolite repression in Neurospora crassa examines regulation of genetic expression in the presence of various carbon sources. Certain mutant strains of N. crassa do not display preferential expression of genes for metabolizing preferred carbon sources. An example is the sorbose restant sor-4 strain. A cotransformation experiment was devised to determine if the gene relieving the sor-4 mutant strain of catabolite repression was complementary to cre-1, a gene thought to be involved in the events leading to catabolite repression. Neurospora crassa conidia were converted to sphereoplasts in order to render them competent to take up DNA. Conidia from wild type (74A) and mutant (sor-4) strains were transformed with both the cre-1 gene and a gene encoding resistance to Hygromycin B, an antibiotic used as a selectable marker. The transformed colonies were further examined for morphology, and it was determined that the sor-4 colonies were not converted back to wild type phenotype. Although resistance to the antibiotic was conferred on both wild type and mutant cells, a Southern blot showed that copies of cre-1 were not integrated into the genome of sor-4 Neurospora crassa. Cotransformation did not give evidence of complementation of the cre-1 gene and the sor-4 mutation.

Committee: David Asch (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2000, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

In the late 1980's, a link was established between mutations in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and certain human diseases which affect neural and muscle tissue. Individuals who have mtDNA diseases have both normal and mutant mtDNA. Increasing severity of the disease is correlated with an increase in the proportion of mutant mtDNA. To understand the abnormal mtDNA processes which cause disease, we must first be able to understand normal mtDNA processes which haven't been entirely elucidated. Today, the most widely accepted model of mammalian mtDNA replication is the D-loop model. The proposed asynchronous and asymmetrical D-loop model should produce regions of single stranded DNA bound to double stranded DNA. Recently, mouse and human mtDNA were analyzed by Brewer/Fangman two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis. Replication forms were seen which had characteristics predicted for partially single stranded D-loop DNA. However, DNA forms which are known to be partially single stranded have not been analyzed. My research involved the formation of partially single stranded DNA constructs which can be used as reference points for how D-loop replication intermediates should run on 2-D gels. Synthetic partially single stranded DNA constructs were compared with normal double stranded and single stranded total cellular mtDNA. The constructs migrated between the double stranded and single stranded arcs, as might be predicted as the constructs are neither totally single stranded nor double stranded. In the future, other forms expected by the D-Loop model and alternate bi-directional synthesis may be synthesized which include double stranded Y arc constructs, whole and partially single stranded D-loop constructs, and other sizes of branched structures with one single stranded arm which may provide further insight into normal mammalian mtDNA replication processes.

Committee: Heather Lorimer (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2000, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

N.Crassa is known to utilize a salvage pathway for the production of uracil. This is known as the pyrimidine slavage pathway. This pathway consists of four enzymatic steps to convert thymidine to uracil. The final enzyme is isoorotate decarboxylase (IDCase), which forms uracil from isoorotate through a decarboxylation reaction. An in vitro assay for IDCase activity has been developed, which allowed the determination of specific activity of the enzyme in various strains of Neurospora. We attempted first to determine if another species of Neurospora contained this pathway by looking for the presence of the IDCase enzyme.

Committee: David Asch (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2000, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Clinical evidence has shown estrogen may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and protect against neuronal damage associated with stoke. Intracellular recordings (current-clamp) were made to characterize the effects of estrogen in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of the rat brain. Excitatory postaynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were elicited by stimulation of afferents in the external capsule. Estrogen was found to decrease EPSPamplitude in a rapid (20-30 min) fashion. Similarly, reduction of spontaneous synaptic activity occurred upon estrogen treatment. EPSP amplitudes returned to normal within 20 minutes of estrogen washout. 4-hydroxy tamoxifen (4-OHT), and estrogen receptor antagonist, prevented the estrogen-induced decrease in EPSP amplitude, suggesting dependence on an estrogen receptor. Estrogen treatment had no effect on neuronal input resistance, accommodation response, resting membrane potential, or action potential firing frequency. Preliminary data showed no change in inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) amplitude, suggesting estrogen might act on the presynaptic cell. These findings imply that estrogen may be protecting neurons from excitotoxic injury associated with stroke through the modulation of glutamate release.

Committee: Mark Womble (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2000, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Hypertension affects 1 in 4 American adults (A.H.A, 1993). Hypertension is one risk factor of heart disease, along with heredity, gender and age. Researchers have developed the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) genetically hypertensive model, but investigative quandaries are limited due to secondary pressure-related changes. The Borderline Hypertensive Rat (BHR) succeeded the SHR in 1980 (F1 generation of SHR x WKY) and is an early predictor of future established hypertension. Arterial hypertension is studied at its inception in the BHR along with associated myocardial alterations. Hypertensive SHR experience left ventricular hypertrophy as an adaptive reaction to increased pressure overload/afterload. Studies have linked restricted dietary calcium intake to hypertension and hypertrophy in subpopulations with defective calcium metabolisms (low extracellular calcium) such as the SHR. The condition is reversed by high calcium, ameliorating hypertension and hypertrophy in certain human and animal subpopulations. This study tested the hypothesis that increased dietary calcium suppresses or reduces the development of hypertension and hypertrophy in the BHR. Tail-cuff plethysmography and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate systolic blood pressure (SBP) and ultrastructural myocardial morphology respectively. Results of this study demonstrated that dietary calcium may be influenced SBP in the BHR. Cardiac morphology suggested that calcium also influenced the BHR heart architecture. Heart weight/body weight ratio and hypertrophy index in BHR and BHR calcium hearts were greater than WKY, indicating hypertrophy. Left ventricular wall and interventricular wall thickness were greater in BHR than BHR CaCl2 or WKY. This data suggests that while dietary calcium did not consistently influence SBP, it did modulate the development of hypertrophy in the BHR.

Committee: Johanna Krontiris-Litowitz (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2000, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

The study was designed to investigate the relative importance of the intracellular and extracellular calcium stores in mediating the contraction and relaxation of corporal cavernosal smooth muscle (CCSM) tissues. This study also investigated the effects of androgens on the calcium pump mechanism(s) responsible for the relaxation of this tissue. To determine the relative importance of the intracellular and extracellular calcium stores in CCSM relaxation, isolated CCSM tissues were treated with cyclopanazoic acid (CPA) or DMSO (control) before being contracted by norepinepherine (NE). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was then added to the tissues to induce relaxation. Finally, percent relaxations were recorded for each group. The effects of androgens on the calcium pump mechanism(s) responsible for CCSM relaxation were studied by dividing rats into intact, castrate, and testosterone replacement treatment groups. Isolated CCSM tissues were placed in calcium free media and treated with CPA. Next, CCSM contractions were induced by the addition of NE and CaCl2 to the media. SNP was then added to the media to induce relaxation. Again, percent relaxations were recorded for each group. Results from this study indicated that the most important mechanism responsible for the removal of cytosolic calcium from CCSM is located on the plasma membrane. This study also shows that castration significantly reduces the relaxation of CCMS, presumably by affecting the plasma membrane mechanism(s) responsible for the removal of calcium from the cytosol. Testosterone replacement was able to restore CCSM relaxation to normal levels. These results indicate that the calcium regulating mechanism utilized by CCSM is, to some extent, androgen regulated.

Committee: Robert Leipheimer (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, 2007, Biological Sciences

The acute toxicity and immunotoxicity of JP-8 jet fuel on Chironomus tentans, Hyallela azteca, Lactuca sativa, Eisenia foetida, and Lumbricus terrestris was assessed using standard USEPA acute toxicity and static renewal toxicity tests. Three methods of spiking test soil with jet fuel were evaluated. In one method acetone was utilized as a carrier and the soil was dried in the fume hood; in another the soil was spiked directly with jet fuel and also was dried; and in the last the soil was spiked directly without drying. There was low survival in C. tentans in all treatments, including controls. There was significant mortality at 1500 ppm (AD soil) for H. azteca. Lettuce seed germination did not show any dose response. In contrast, there was a decreasing trend for lettuce root length in response to increasing JP-8 concentrations. We predicted lower mortality in worms exposed to soil treatments that were dried in the fume hood due to the loss of volatile toxic components. Nominal doses of jet fuel ranged from 0 ppm to 2000 ppm JP- 8. Mortality was assessed on day 14. Although mortality varied among three experiments, soil that was spiked directly and not dried showed the highest levels of mortality when compared to soil treatments that were dried. Doses from 0 ppm to 750 ppm had low to moderate mortality (0-25%), while doses from 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm had high mortality (30-100%) for the no carrier/no drying soil treatment. Both soil treatments that were dried generally showed low mortality (0-15%), with the exception of the acetone carrier soil treatment in experiment 1 (which showed moderate to high mortality) 30% at 1500 ppm and 85% at 2000 ppm. To test immunotoxicity, coelomocyte counts were performed for controls and survivors of the acute toxicity test. There was a decreasing trend in immune endpoints (total cells, % viability, and total viable cells) as the jet fuel doses increased for the no carrier/no drying soil treatment when survivors of the 1000 ppm - 2000 (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: James Runkle (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, 2006, Pharmacology and Toxicology

The present study was conducted to determine the half-life, assess the toxicity, and passive protection efficacy of purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) from Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA) vaccinated human donors. Half-life determinations were calculated from the reportable values obtained using the anti-PA ELISA assay and the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) “ELISA for Windows” software. For toxicity evaluations animals were observed clinical for one hour post administration and for 14-days post-treatment. The protection efficacy was determined based upon the mortality results from a lethal Bacillus anthracis aerosol challenge. While no protection was achieved in this delayed exposure scenario, the study yielded valuable kinetics data for use in future research.

Committee: Robert Casillas (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, General