31st Annual Student Research Conference
Studying Nerve Regeneration Using an in vivo and in vitro Approach
Alexis C. Houser*, Jamie A. Jones, and Kyle O'Connor
Dr. Daniela Ostrowski, Faculty Mentor
The ability to localize a sound source is crucial for a cricket’s survival and reproduction. Following unilateral loss of an ear the cricket’s auditory system undergoes neuroplastic changes. Axonal sprouting and rearrangement of dendritic fibers lead to a full recovery of directional hearing. Most interestingly, the rate and overall density of regrowing fibers differs between male and female crickets. Our research aims to understand the mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in peripheral nerve regeneration. Using an in vivo approach, we analyze anatomical differences between male and female auditory nerve regeneration at various time points. In addition, in vitro experiments of cultured brain cells are used to study the direct effect of hormones (e.g. ecdysteroids) on neurite growth. By combining an in vivo and in vitro approach we are able to study sex differences on nerve regeneration in intact animals and more specifically, differentiate between influential factors in cultured brain cells.
Keywords: nerve regeneration, crickets, in vivo, in vitro, cell culture, gender differences
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 405-4
Location: MG 2050
Time: 3:15