News
Students Share Experience from NC State Research Internship
10/20/10
October 20, 2010—Basseterre, St. Kitts—Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine seventh semester student, James Shewmaker, and sixth semester student, Rebecca Mantuo, returned to campus after spending their summer as research interns in the Veterinary Scholars Program at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing the application and matching process, the two received notification they had been selected for the May 2010 program. NC State’s Veterinary Scholars Program reserves up to four spots, which includes an expense stipend, for students from outside veterinary schools. Ross University assisted the students’ by providing an additional stipend. Shewmaker and Mantuo were both pleased to be selected for the program.
“I would absolutely encourage any student who has interest in research to participate in an internship program, like the one at NC State, as it gives you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience that I would not have be able to obtain otherwise,” said Shewmaker.
Mantuo was matched with Brian Gilger, DVM, professor of Ophthalmology, to evaluate methods of drug delivery to the eye in the treatment of ocular diseases. Gilger and Mantuo’s goal was to determine if medication injected into the suprachoroidal space, through an incision in the sclera, would reach the posterior segment (the back of the eye). High frequency ultrasound was used on cadaver pig eyes at intervals of 250, 500, 800 and 1000 ul of injected phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to determine the amount of distention of the suprachoroidal space and contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used at intervals of 250, 500 and 800 ul of microbubble contrast agent (Tegestar™-P, Targeson Inc.) to image the distribution to the back of the eye. The percentage of maximal distribution and percentage of eyes with posterior contrast distribution to the posterior suprachoroidal space was calculated.
Shewmaker worked with assistant professor of Theriogenology, C. Scott Bailey, DVM, to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline on the uterus of pregnant pony mares by measuring blood flow of the uterine arteries with trans-rectal Doppler ultrasound. Clinically, pentoxifylline has been used in combination with antibiotics and synthetic progestin as a treatment for placentitis. Eight pregnant pony mares, (two to eleven years in age) at 17-90 days of gestation, were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. Ultrasound examinations, in the absence of treatment, were taken for two days to achieve baseline measurements. The mares were divided into two groups; one group to receive treatment (pentoxifylline plus carrier) and the other to receive placebo (carrier alone) twice daily. Examinations and ultrasound measurements of the left and right uterine artery blood flow were performed daily. After a three-day rest period without treatment or examination, each group’s treatment method was switched.
The results obtained from Shewmaker and Bailey's study confirm uterine artery blood flow can be effectively measured and quantified using trans-rectal Doppler ultrasound. Although no effect of treatment was detected in this study the data supports previous reports that indicate significant changes in blood flow during gestation. Additional analysis will be necessary to determine the mechanism by which pentoxifylline works in the uterus of the pregnant mare.
Mantuo and Gilger’s study also had significant results, realizing that, indeed, an injection of medication into the suprachoroidal space—even at low volumes—can reach the back of the eye (ocular posterior segment). In addition, the results identified that imaging of the suprachoroidal space is possible and the area can expand to accommodate various volumes of injected fluid. These findings can help further treatment methods of eye disease, such as, macular degeneration.
“The results from the study show that new treatment methods of eye disease in humans and animals are possible,” said Mantuo. “The internship has made me realize how important veterinary research is to all types of medicine and has encouraged me to continue to pursue my interest in research.”
In August, Mantuo and Shewmaker joined more than 300 veterinary students from other summer scholar programs at the 2010 Merial-National Institutes of Health National Veterinary Scholars Symposium held at the University of Georgia. The students had the opportunity explore and learn about upcoming trends in veterinary research from leaders in the field. Each of the student scholars participated in a poster presentation to showcase the findings of their research.
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, the School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 22 AVMA-accredited US veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the US and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Ross University’s administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Ross University, visit www.RossU.edu or call 732.509.4600/877.ROSS.EDU.
