M. Cathleen Kovarik, PhD, DVM

Email: kovarikc@missouri.edu

573-882-2536 (office)
573-882-7424 (lab)
2 Vet Science Building
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211

Lab Information:
11 Vet Science Building
573-882-7424
Members—Mona Garro, Senior Research Technician; Sarah Hackman; Danielle Moore

Research Interests: Neuroendocrinology

Teaching: BMS 5012 Large Animal Gross Anatomy

Reproduction in mammals is regulated by the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from hypothalamic GnRH neurons. The pulsatile release of GnRH is necessary for the maintenance of normal reproductive function in both males and females. However, the mechanism and control of pulsatile GnRH release is unknown. Experiments in my laboratory utilize a transgenic mouse to explore the endogenous generation and exogenous regulation of pulsatile cellular activity in GnRH neurons.

Previous studies have shown that isolated GnRH neurons generate spontaneous episodic activity. In addition, GnRH neurons demonstrate spike-dependent depolarizing afterpotentials (DAPs), which can lead to bursts of activity. Currently, patch-clamp electrophysiology is being used to explore 1) the ionic basis of DAPs in GnRH neurons; 2) changes in GnRH neuronal activity with aging and with changes in hormone status, and 3) changes in excitatory amino acid receptor composition during the aging process. These studies are designed to determine if functional changes are seen in individual GnRH neurons with age and reproductive status. Changes in GnRH neurons during the aging process in women could contribute to the onset of menopause.

Selected Publications:
Kuehl-Kovarik, M.C., Pouliot, W.A., Halterman, G.L., Handa, R.J., Dudek, F.E., and Partin, K.M. (2002) Episodic bursting activity and response to excitatory amino acids in acutely dissociated gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons genetically targeted with green fluorescent protein. J Neuroscience 22(6): 2313-2322.

Kuehl-Kovarik, M.C., Partin, K.M., and Magnusson, K.R. (2003) Acute dissociation for analyses of NMDA receptor function in cortical neurons during aging. J. Neurosci. Methods 129: 11-17.

Kuehl-Kovarik, M.C., Partin, K.M., Handa, R.J., and Dudek, F.E. (2005) Spike-dependent depolarizing afterpotentials contribute to endogenous bursting in gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons. Neuroscience 134: 295-300.