The Female Reproductive Tract Microenvironment: Cytotoxic effects of bacterial-vaginosis-associated bacteria on cervical epithelial cells
This project begins with an overview of the female reproductive tract microenvironment. It outlines the microenvironment of the vaginal, cervical, and endometrial epithelium and the interactions with immune cells and hormone cycles. The review also outlines the models currently used to study the female reproductive tract. The second chapter of the thesis is a study of the effects of pathogenic and commensal bacteria P. micra, F. magna, and F. nucleatum on cervical epithelial cells. This study analyzes cytotoxic effects after 24 hour infection of these bacteria. This was assessed through crystal violet staining, conventional pcr of cDNA synthesized from extracted cervical RNA, and LDH analysis. There is also an attempted biofilm assay. It was concluded that bacteria P. micra, F. magna and F. nucleatum have cytotoxic potential. This was not expected as F. magna is largely understood to be a commensal bacteria in the vaginal microbiome.
- Author (aut): Garza, Camryn Nicole
- Thesis director: Plaisier, Christopher
- Committee member: Herbst-Kralovetz, Melissa
- Contributor (ctb): School of Molecular Sciences
- Contributor (ctb): Harrington Bioengineering Program
- Contributor (ctb): Harrington Bioengineering Program
- Contributor (ctb): Barrett, The Honors College