Martha M. Day, Ed.D.
Whites Creek High School
Cemistry and Anatomy and Physiology Teacher

Small Animal Imaging Laboratory- Mark Does, Ph.D  

Dr. Mark Does allowed me to work in his small animal imaging laboratory over the course of approximately 4 weeks. This experience introduced me to concepts of medical imaging using magnetic resonance imaging to detect energy absorption differences among various samples of chondroitin sulfate by measuring T1, T2, and T1 rho values.

Samples of chondroitin sulfate (ChS) were prepared by creating a one-percent solution in distilled water.  The ChS solution was then standardized across a pH range of 1 to 10 and placed in 10 mL nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tubes.  The samples were then analyzed in the Maran NMR instrument.  The Maran instrument uses a 0.5 Tesla magnet and applies radio frequency (RF) pulses to create resonance when protons in the substance tested absorb the energy from the pulse and begin to precess or spin. When the RF pulse is removed, the protons return to their natural alignment with the magnetic field.  As the protons return to their alignment, excess energy is released and a signal is produced.  The signal is detected by a coil and then sent to a computer system in the form of mathematical data. A MatLab computer program is used to analyze the data and thus allows detection of differences among sample types.

Dr. Does is interested in studying chondroitin sulfate because it is a major component in large protein molecules called proteoglycans.  Proteoglycans are proteins that are present in virtually all connective tissues in the body.  Studying interactions of enzyme degradation of proteoglycans can help researchers better understand disease processes.

I will use my research experience to create a module on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of stroke.  The module will help students understand the use of medical imaging in detecting arterial blockages to assess patients who have suffered a stroke.  Further, students will create models of arterial blockages in the body and drug delivery via transdermal patches.  Students will also create patient education media presentations to educate the public on healthy lifestyle choices that aid in the prevention of disease processes.