Interest: Effects of chronic alcohol
exposure on reproductive function in female
rats
Dr. Emanuele's research is focused on the impact
of ethanol (EtOH) on the neuroendocrine control
of growth and reproduction. Studies include
rats of both genders across a wide range of
age and sexual maturity. Their work encompasses
evaluation of EtOH’s effects in the whole
animal in addition to examination of cellular
and molecular mechanisms involved. They are
also studying a variety of manipulations that
might prevent the dramatically disruptive effects
of EtOH on this system. This work affords trainees
experience to learn neuroendocrine physiology,
and pathophysiology studied by classic techniques
of neuroendocrinology, melded with techniques
of molecular biology.
The mechanisms behind the beneficial
effects of insulin in critical illness using
ethanol-exposure with thermal-injury as a model.
A second area of research involves the investigation
of the beneficial effects of insulin in the
setting of critical illness using thermal injury,
preceded by ethanol expose. In this paradigm,
mice are given one dose of ethanol followed
by a 15% burn and ½ hour later insulin
or vehicle treatment is given. Morbidity and
mortality are assessed, particularly hepatic
injury, and correlated with proinflammatory
and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Concomitant
data is being evaluated in the patients with
prior ethanol exposure admitted to the burn
unit, with and without insulin treatment.
