The Effect of Maternal Aldosterone Levels on the Expression of 11B-HSD Isoenzymes in Normal and Hypertensive Rat Placentae
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
21-4-2008 1:00 PM
End Date
21-4-2008 3:00 PM
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Penny Knoblich
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The enzyme 11-betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (1 lB-HSD 2) is important in hormone metabolism. It converts the active glucocorticoid to the inactive form so that it does not compete for the aldosterone receptor. Two isoforms of the enzyme are found in the placenta, but evidence supports a role for the HSD 2 enzyme in theprevention of fetal hypertension. Abnormalities in maternal hormones can affect hormonal expression in the offspring. This project is part of a larger hypertension study conducted by Dr. Knoblich. She is using cryotreatment of the adrenal gland to reduce aldosterone production in both normal and hypertensive female rats. We hope to study the effects of the reduced maternal aldosterone on placental expression of 11-B HSD 1 and HSD 2 in both normotensive rats (WKY) and hypertensive rats (SHR). The Western blotting technique will be used and protein levels will be quantitated by densitometry. Complementary studies on RNA expression are also being conducted in the lab. Initial experiments have focused on simple extraction methods followed by optimization of antibody levels using commercially available polyclonal antibodies and a sensitive chemiluminscent substrate. Consistent blots have been obtained; however, multiple bands are seen. Current experiments will test the effect of reducing agent in the extraction buffer. Once the technique is optimized, we can compare the effect of reduced maternal aldosterone levels on HSDl and 2 protein expression in the placentae. Along with the RNA data and the work of Dr. Knoblich's research group, the results should contribute to the understanding of hormonal influences on hypertension.
The Effect of Maternal Aldosterone Levels on the Expression of 11B-HSD Isoenzymes in Normal and Hypertensive Rat Placentae
CSU Ballroom
The enzyme 11-betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (1 lB-HSD 2) is important in hormone metabolism. It converts the active glucocorticoid to the inactive form so that it does not compete for the aldosterone receptor. Two isoforms of the enzyme are found in the placenta, but evidence supports a role for the HSD 2 enzyme in theprevention of fetal hypertension. Abnormalities in maternal hormones can affect hormonal expression in the offspring. This project is part of a larger hypertension study conducted by Dr. Knoblich. She is using cryotreatment of the adrenal gland to reduce aldosterone production in both normal and hypertensive female rats. We hope to study the effects of the reduced maternal aldosterone on placental expression of 11-B HSD 1 and HSD 2 in both normotensive rats (WKY) and hypertensive rats (SHR). The Western blotting technique will be used and protein levels will be quantitated by densitometry. Complementary studies on RNA expression are also being conducted in the lab. Initial experiments have focused on simple extraction methods followed by optimization of antibody levels using commercially available polyclonal antibodies and a sensitive chemiluminscent substrate. Consistent blots have been obtained; however, multiple bands are seen. Current experiments will test the effect of reducing agent in the extraction buffer. Once the technique is optimized, we can compare the effect of reduced maternal aldosterone levels on HSDl and 2 protein expression in the placentae. Along with the RNA data and the work of Dr. Knoblich's research group, the results should contribute to the understanding of hormonal influences on hypertension.
Recommended Citation
Jorissen, Nicole L.; Theresa Salerno; and James E. Rife. "The Effect of Maternal Aldosterone Levels on the Expression of 11B-HSD Isoenzymes in Normal and Hypertensive Rat Placentae." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2008.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2008/poster-session-B/27
