Description
Pregnancy and childbirth are both natural occurring events, but still little is known about the signaling mechanisms that induce contractions. Throughout the world, premature labor occurs in 12% of all pregnancies with 36% of infant deaths resulting from preterm related causes. Even though the cause of preterm labor can vary, understanding alternative signaling pathways, which affect muscle contraction, could provide additional treatment options in stopping premature labor. The uterus is composed of smooth muscle, which is innervated, with a plexus of nerves that cover the muscle fibers. Smooth muscle can be stimulated or modulated by many sources such as neurotransmitters [i.e. dopamine], hormones [i.e. estrogen], peptides [i.e. oxytocin] and amines. This study focuses on the biogenic monoamine tyramine, which is produced in the tyrosine catecholamine biosynthesis pathway. Tyramine is known to be associated with peripheral vasoconstriction, increased cardiac output, increased respiration, elevated blood glucose and the release of norepinephrine. This research has found tyramine, and its specific receptor TAAR1, to be localized within mouse uterus and that this monoamine can induce uterine contractions at levels similar to oxytocin.
Details
Title
- The function of tyramine in the mouse uterine horn
Contributors
- Obayomi, SM Bukola (Author)
- Baluch, Debra P (Thesis advisor)
- Deviche, Pierre (Thesis advisor)
- Smith, Brian H. (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2017
Resource Type
Collections this item is in
Note
- thesisPartial requirement for: M.S., Arizona State University, 2017
- bibliographyIncludes bibliographical references (pages 58-63)
- Field of study: Biology
Citation and reuse
Statement of Responsibility
by SM Bukola Obayomi