Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Toxicology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
Chronic stress is an underlying factor in many diseases incl. hypertension, major depression, anxiety etc. Electrophysiological studies revealed that chronic stress exposure induces an upregulation of sympathetic neurotransmission and the endocrine system (release of ACTH and corticosteroids). Slight changes in these levels will cause effects on most systems within the body leading to neurophysiological changes and immunosuppression. Stress responses including sympathetic neurotransmission are affected by olfaction. Praescent (a mixture of plant derived chemicals) has been shown to reduce the impact of stress on the sympathetic nervous system indicating that exposure to green odours have significant implications for animal welfare in laboratories and in agriculture, as well as alleviating the unwanted effects of chronic stress on humans. However, chronic exposure to such odors may relief stress sympotms but have other toxic effect. Mutagenicity is part of the multistep process of cancer development. For example point mutations may lead to the inactivation of tumour supressor genes allowing a tumour to form and turn malignant.
In this project two active ingredients of Praescent will be tested and assessed for their mutagenicity. The Ames assay, a bacterial test system will be used.
Hypothesis/Aims
The active substances used as green odor in Praescent are not mutagenic in the Ames mutagenicity assay
Approach
Two chemicals derived from plants, used as active ingredients in Praescent and other preparations will be tested for their mutagenic effect in the Ames assay with a pre-incubation technique. Both compounds will be tested for their mutagenic effect using Ames S. typhimurium strains (TA1535, TA100) with and without S9-mix. If time permits additional strains may be used.
Note: Students working in this project need to sign a confidentiality agreement due to PI requirements.
- Study level
- Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT External Nick Lavidids (University of Queensland)
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor.
Dr Ricarda Thier
