| Affiliations: | Michael E. DeBakey Institute Undergraduate Research Program |
| Project Leader: | Emily Thompson emilyathompson@tamu.edu Radiological Health Engineering |
| 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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6 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Team Needs:
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Description:
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Radiation-induced enteropathy (intestinal dysfunction) is a critical problem in 100% of radiotherapy patients receiving treatment for cancerous tumors in the abdominal cavity. Although low-dose fractioned radiation exposure does not damage DNA or cause cell death, it has been reported to cause intestinal edema, dysmotility, diarrhea, and malabsorption. Such enteropathy not only significantly decreases the quality of life in cancer survivors but also limits the maximum radiation dose and thus the effectiveness of radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Mesenteric lymphatic vessels drain intestinal interstitial fluid, transport fats, immune cells and are critical for normal functionality of the digestive system. Dysfunction of mesenteric lymphatic vessels leads to compromised digestive and immune system functionality with symptoms observed similar to radiation-induced enteropathy. Although recent studies have demonstrated lymphatic chronic dysfunction following high-dose radiation, acute effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on lymphatic vessels of the gut have yet to be investigated thoroughly. Therefore, we hypothesize that low-dose ionizing radiation induces mesenteric lymphatic pump failure. To test this hypothesis, first, we will expose rat abdomens to low-dose ionizing radiation. Next, we will evaluate the pump function of isolated mesenteric lymphatic vessels in vitro by characterizing changes in lymphatic contraction frequency and stroke volume. Findings from these studies by successful completion of the proposed work is expected to form the basis for development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating enteropathy by restoring mesenteric lymphatic pump function. The knowledge gained from these studies is also expected to advance current understanding of basic lymphatic biology and provide insights into the role of lymphatic dysfunction in radiation-induced morbidity in other organs. |