POPULATION RESEARCH CENTER GRANT

This is a competitive renewal application for a Population Center Grant
(P30) from the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center (ORPRC) that
requests support for core services to enhance individual research units.
To access these services, investigators are funded to study issues within
NICHD goals. Support is requested for six cores; a Cell Culture (CC) Core
to provide reagents and maintain stable transfectants, a Hormone Analysis
(HA) Core to perform immunoassays, bioassays, and high-pressure liquid
chromatography, a Morphology (MOR) Core to assist with tissue and cell
processing, including suitable methods for immunocytochemistry and
preparative in situ hybridization, a Molecular Biology (MB) Core to
generate specific probes and train investigators in their appropriate
uses, an In Vitro Fertilization-Experimental Embryology (IVF-EE) Core to
assist researchers in recovery, storage, and utilization of simian
gametes; blastocysts and support cells, and a core for program
administration (ADM). Each specialty core is directed by an experienced
investigator in the proposed technologies who stresses consistent quality,
efficiency and timely performance. The detection and solution of technical
problems occur rapidly and development of new methodologies are feasible,
thereby facilitating individual research projects. Seventeen investigators
(P.I.s) utilize the multipurpose cores in studies to understand and
optimize reproductive health in both sexes, although many projects
emphasize the female. Specific areas of active research include: neuroendocrine events
influencing the hypophyseal-gonadal axis during sexual development and
adulthood; endocrine physiology of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
mechanisms of steroid hormone action in the brain and reproductive tract;
genomic processes in peptide expression and in receptor function;
paracrine factors in neural and reproductive tissues; in vitro and in vivo
fertilization; and the importance of photoperiodicity and aging in
reproductive health. A total of 20 funded and 15 pending grants in these
research areas seek access to one or more cores. The existence of these
facilities enhances collaboration among members of these units and
prevents unnecessary duplication of equipment, personnel and technologies.