|
John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Professor
and Vice-chair
Department
of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy
Director, Core Imaging Facility |
|
B.A., Biology, 1968. University of the Pacific.
Ph.D., Biology-Marine Biology, 1976. University of Southern California
|
EMAIL |
Current
Interests |
| Pineal gland, neuroimmodulation, neural
transplantation, neurotrophic factors, computer-aided instruction |
Laboratory
Focus |
- Ongoing research in our laboratory includes study of the comparative ultrastructure of
pineal complex and regulation of indole metabolism. The comparative neuroendocrinology of
the pineal complex provides unique opportunities to investigate mechanisms of cellular
transduction in melatonin production over light:dark cycles in both photoreceptive and
non-photoreceptive systems. These studies combine microscopic and biochemical
analytical techniques to characterize structural/functional mechanisms.
-
- A second area of research involves interactions of the neuroendocrine and immune
systems. This area of investigation is designed to test the hypothesis that the pineal
gland is an important "gateway" for neuro-immunomodulatory functions. Current
studies are focusing on cellular determinants of pineal-lymphocyte interactions in an
avian model.
Finally, experimental paradigms have been developed to test the effectiveness of
web-based computer-aided instruction in the medical curriculum. |
|
Publications |
| Tsai, S-Y, K.S. Schluns, P.T. Le, J.A.
McNulty. TGF-ß1
and IL-6 expression in rat pineal gland is regulated by norepinephrine and
interlurkiln-1ß. Histol. Histopathol. 16:1135-1141, 2001. |
| Shafer, L.L., J.A. McNulty,
Young M.R.I. Brain derived interleiulin-6 modulates the functional activities
of BV2 microglia. J. Neuroimmumodulation 10:295-304, 2003. |
| McNulty, J.A., J. Halama, B. Espiritu. Evaluation of
computer-aided instruction (CAI) in the medical gross anatomy curriculum. Clin. Anat. 17:
73-78, 2004. |
|
