| Affiliations: | Michael E. DeBakey Institute Undergraduate Research Program |
| Project Leader: | Vinay Khanijow vpk97@tamu.edu Biomedical Sciences |
| Faculty Mentor: | Ranjeet Dongaonkar, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Summer 2016 (complete) |
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Team Size:
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4 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Potential co-authorship of publications, research experience, resume, leadership and team cooperation skills. |
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Team Needs:
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Willing to contribute outside of meeting times |
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Description:
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Low-dose ionizing radiation, although used successfully for cancer treatment, has been reported to induce enteropathy (intestinal dysfunction). Early toxicity causing bowel edema, dysmotility, diarrhea, malabsorption, and inflammation manifests within hours to days of radiotherapy. Mesenteric lymphatic vessels drain excess intestine fluid and transport fats and lymphocytes, and compromised lymphatic function is known to produce symptoms similar to those observed with radiation-induced enteropathy. Yet, virtually nothing is known about the effects of ionizing radiation on pump function of the mesenteric lymphatic vessels and their role in radiation-induced enteropathy. Recent studies investigating chronic effects of high-dose radiation have reported decreased lymphatic muscle function. However, acute effects of low-dose radiation on lymphatic muscle properties have yet to be investigated thoroughly. Therefore, the hypothesis of this study is that low-dose ionizing radiation decreases lymphatic muscle contractility. In order to test this hypothesis, we will first expose rat abdomens to low-dose radiation. Then, we will analyze the ability of lymphatic muscles to generate tension in vitro under isovolumic conditions. Upon successful completion, the study is expected to yield findings that are able to support the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of enteropathy in radiotherapy patients. In addition, the study is anticipated to provide additional knowledge to supplement the current understanding of lymphatic mechanisms. |