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David H. Townson

David H. Townson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Kendall Hall, Room 509
(603) 862-3475
Email: dave.townson@unh.edu

Educational Background:

Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1993

M.S., University of Wisconsin at Madison, 1988

B.S., Michigan State University, 1984

Courses Taught:

Principles of Biology I (BIOL 411); Contemporary Trends in Reproductive Physiology (ANSC 909); Animal Science Seminar (ANSC 997/998)

General Area of Interest and/or Specialty:

Female reproductive physiology; immunology of ovarian function; follicular dynamics; regulation of the corpus luteum

Description of current research and/or professional activities:

The current research in my laboratory focuses on the relationships between the immune system and the reproductive system in regard to ovarian function. Specifically, we are interested in how the local elaboration of leukocyte-specific chemotactic molecules facilitates leukocyte recruitment and impacts aspects of ovarian function, including follicular growth and atresia, ovulation, and the function of the corpus luteum.

Utilizing techniques of ultrasonography, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, and molecular biology, the regulation of immune response is being investigated under conditions of natural and experimentally-controlled ovarian function. We are also engaged in studies examining the effects of environmental stress on fertility in cattle, and the influence of physical stress on immune response in rats.

Representative Publications:

Liptak AR, Sullivan BT, Henkes LE, Wijayagunawardane MPB, Miyamoto A, Davis JS, Rueda BR, Townson DH. Cooperative expression of monocyte chemoatractant protein 1 within the bovine corpus luteum: Evidence of immune cell-endothelial cell interactions in a coculture system. Biol Reprod 72: 1169-1176 (2005).

Townson DH, Liptak AR. Chemokines in the corpus luteum: Implications of leukocyte chemotaxis. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 1:94 (2003)

Cavicchio VA, Pru JK, Davis BS, Davis JS, Rueda BR, Townson DH. Secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by endothelial cells of the bovine corpus luteum: Regulation by cytokines but not prostaglandin F2α. Endocrinology 143:3582-3589 (2002).

Townson DH, Tsang PCW, Butler WR, Frajblat M, Griel Jr. LC, Johnson CJ, Milvae RA, Niksic GM, Pate JL. Relationship of fertility to ovarian follicular waves before breeding in dairy cows. Cooperative Regional Research Project, NE-161. Journal of Animal Science 80:1053-1058 (2002).

Townson DH, O’Connor CL, Pru JK. Expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and the distribution of immune cell populations in the bovine corpus luteum throughout the estrous cycle. Biol Reprod 66:361-366 (2002).