Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Major

Neuroscience

First Advisor

Dr. Sally B. Seraphin

Second Advisor

Dr. Chris Swart

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include various forms of physical and emotional abuse that lead to detrimental long term effects. Agalychnis callidryas (red-eyed tree frogs) have been identified as a novel biomedical model for ACEs. Red-eyed tree frogs demonstrate an escape hatch mechanism under stressors including those from predators, flooding and hypoxia where the embryo undergoes an accelerated developmental process similar to what is observed in the human population regarding precocious puberty. In order to assess this model for neurobiological outcomes of ACEs, morphological and genomic protocols must be developed and validated which is this study’s focus. Paraffin embedding and microtome sectioning were identified as the best method of presentation, embedding and sectioning. The validation of this protocol using H&E staining, cresyl violet staining and CRF antibody studies to explore differences associated with the two rearing groups (early and normal hatched tadpoles) will be presented. RNA sequencing was used to validate the approach of different rearing conditions. Developing this model is crucial to characterize the mechanisms by which ACEs lead to altered behavior and physiology. This work brings us closer to creating better treatments for the hundreds of thousands of people suffering from ACEs and their effects.

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