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Diffusion-Mediated Regulation Endocrine Networks

Citation

Petrasek, Danny (2002) Diffusion-Mediated Regulation Endocrine Networks. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/776t-vs55. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12052003-095049

Abstract

In endocrine glands, vigorous and coordinated responses are often elicited by modest changes in the concentration of the organist molecule. The mammalian parathyroid gland is a representative case. Small (5%) changes in serum calcium result in tenfold (1000%) changes in glandular parathyroid hormone (PTH) release. In vitro, single isolated cells are observed to secrete fewer hormones than cells residing within a connected group, suggesting that a network has emergent regulatory properties. In PTH secreting tumors however, the ability to quickly respond to changes in calcium is strongly damped. A unifying hypothesis that accounts for these phenomena is realized by extra-cellular modulation of calcium diffusivity. A theoretical model and computational experiments demonstrate qualitative agreement with published experimental results. Our results suggest that in addition to the cellular mechanisms, endocrine glandular networks may have regulatory prowess at the level of interstitial transport. The extra-cellular diffusional mechanism proposed provides a consistent argument for 1) higher secretion of single cells in a connected network compared to isolated cells, 2) the rapid nonlinear response seen in healthy glands as well as 3) the pathological responses seen in hyperplasia and adenoma. Since the proposed diffusional regulation strongly depends on the existence of a connected cell network (gland), it also suggests a rationale for the advantages of cell networks as organs versus a dispersed system of isolated cells (in the case of the parathyroid gland).

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Applied and Computational Mathematics
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Applied And Computational Mathematics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Bruno, Oscar P.
Thesis Committee:
  • Cohen, Donald S. (chair)
  • Bruno, Oscar P.
  • Fraser, Scott E.
  • Hou, Thomas Y.
  • Meiron, Daniel I.
Defense Date:4 March 2002
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-12052003-095049
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12052003-095049
DOI:10.7907/776t-vs55
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Petrasek, Danny0000-0003-4178-4844
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:4788
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:11 Dec 2003
Last Modified:23 Aug 2022 22:19

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