College

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences (BCAS)

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-03 17:32:09

Major

Biology

Honors Course

3100-499

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2020

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a disease associated with a vasoconstrictive phenotype due to disrupted signaling in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) relaxation pathway. The purpose of these studies is to determine the level of oxidative damage that is occurring in the placenta of the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat, which serves as a common model for preeclampsia. RUPP and SHAM placenta tissue will be examined for oxidative stress as an indicator of tissue damage associated with the pathologically induced ischemia. Oxidative stress in the placental tissue will be measured by performing the following oxidative stress assays: 8-isoprostane test, TBARS assay, and SOD assay kit. In addition, it will be assessed whether this damage is reversible with uterine injection of L-tyrosine polyphosphate (LTP) nanoparticles that encode for VEGF2 receptors. We further hypothesize that improved VEGF signaling via receptor upregulation may ameliorate vascular signaling which would lead to improved utero-placental perfusion. Ultimately improved blood flow to the uterine circulation may decrease measurable levels of oxidative stress.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Rolando J.J. Ramirez

First Reader

Dr. Catherine Konopka

Second Reader

Dr. Qin Liu

Honors Faculty Advisor

Dr. Brian Bagatto

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