Dr

Research Interests:For longer than I am able to remember (this is an age-related problem) I have been interested in understanding how the immune system becomes altered with age. Beginning at sexual maturity of the animal, immune function starts to decrease, with visible signs showing during the last third of the organisms life span. These dysfunctions show as decreased immune reactivity to new antigens, decreased interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and secretion, and increased susceptibility to disease and cancer. I am examining possible mechanistic pathways that may change in an age-related fashion thereby leading to immune dysfunction, as well as how certain interventions may augment immune function in aging animals so that we might be able to enjoy a better quality of life as the inevitable age-associated senescent alterations begin to affect all of us. Towards this end we are examining certain biochemical and signal transduction pathways in immune cells to try to elucidate these age-related alterations (PKC and Tyrosine Kinase). We are currently examining the effects of dietary restriction in old aged mice and observing the effects of melatonin and ginseng on immunosenescence.

In addition to studying age-related alterations in immune system function, I have also been examining how environmental toxins (such as PCBs, dioxins and PAHs) affect immune function in rats, mice and fish, as well as examining signal transduction alterations in other organs, such as liver.

Publication of Interest: Deepta Atre and Elliott J. Blumenthal, 1998, "Melatonin: immune modulation of spleen cells in young, middle-aged and senescent mice", Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 103: 225-268.

Publications being written:
        "Cryosurgical ablation of prostate cancer: Immune modulation" and
        "Effect of dietary PCB on immune function" and
        "Comparison of Oral Micorbiological Flora in Younger and Older People"

Techniques:The lab methods employed in the research include cell culture and proliferation studies, enzyme activities, ELISA assays, PAGE and Western Blot analysis of proteins.

To determine the immune status of an individual animal, immune response can be evaluated in a number of ways. In my lab we measure immune response through the use of proliferation assays of both T and B lymphocyte response to mitogenic stimulation, we examine cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-gamma) production by the use of ELISA plate analysis. We perform enzyme activity analysis of protein kinase C (PKC) and Thymidine kinase (TK) by both radioisotope incorporation, Western blot and by ELISA analysis. We also have the capability of performing Flow Cytometric analysis of lymphocyte populations.

Teaching: My teaching interests fall into a number of specialized areas in Biology: Immunology, Virology, Cancer Biology, Microbiology and Biology Of Aging. Except for Biology of Aging, these courses are upper division level classes with prerequisites. Biology of Aging is a lower division class offered in conjunction with the Gerontology Certificate Program, and is offered as a General Education elective. The general course outline for each of these classes can be viewed by clicking on the appropriate link.

Student Research in my Lab:
I am very interested in having students do research in my lab. From 1989 to 2000 I have graduated 9 Master level students and have had a large number of undergraduate students engaged in research. In addition, I have allowed 4 high school students to perform research in the lab with very good success in regional and state level science fairs.

Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR)-- The FAR position is an NCAA legislated position. The duties of the FAR are primarily to protect the student athletes rights. Specifically, the FAR makes sure the student athlete meets all eligibility requirements as outlined in the NCAA Division I Manual. In addition, the FAR can act as intermediary between student and Professor if a problem arises, although the responsibility will ultimately fall on the student to work out any problems in the classroom. IPFW is currently in the Summit League Conference. For information concerning theSummit League check out the home page: http://www.thesummitleague.org/