Undergrads wanted for research project in Hannan Lab

We are looking for a motivated student or two to join our research team. Great opportunity if you want hands on research experience and figure out if basic science research is for you. Supportive mentor with a track record of mentoring undergrads and an inclusive learning environment. Please reach out if interested! hannanj14@ecu.edu

Impact of PFAS exposure on testosterone availability and erectile dysfunction

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of synthetic compounds used in consumer and industrial processes and products. Due to their ability to make a fire-resistant coating, PFAS are often found in many consumer products like furniture, carpets, and the lining of microwavable popcorn bags. They are also common in stain-resistant fabrics, fire-fighting foams, and as a surfactant in industrial processes. Unfortunately, PFAS are very resistant to breakdown – “forever chemicals”. Across the United States, PFAS have been detected in both drinking water and finished drinking water sources. When leaked into the environment, PFAS enter our water supply and can bioaccumulate in animals and humans. A CDC monitoring program collecting serum and urine found that PFAS contamination is widespread in humans, with the most common being perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and can cause adverse effects on cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, reproductive systems, and development. Additionally, links to kidney and testicular cancer have also been found. Though many studies confirm that some of these compounds can negatively impact our reproductive health, our understanding of the effects of PFAS on pelvic organ physiology and, more specifically, erectile dysfunction is limited.

We hypothesize that long-term PFOA and PFOS exposure to male rats in their drinking water will impair testosterone production and lead to erectile dysfunction. We believe this will be evident by rats demonstrating lower apomorphine-induced behavior erectile responses and nerve-stimulated erections, impaired penile endothelial relaxation and increased penile fibrosis.

Aim 1: Determine the impact of PFOA and PFOS exposure on testosterone availability in male rats. Using Sprague-Dawley rats, we will expose animals to PFOA or PFOS for 6 weeks in their drinking water (10mg/kg daily) and measure serum testosterone levels and assess testicular histology.

Aim 2: Evaluate whether exposure to PFAS or PFOA will lead to erectile dysfunction. Over the course of 6 weeks of exposure to PFAS or PFOA, erectile function will be monitored weekly via apomorphine behavioral assay. After 6 weeks, erectile function will be measured via direct cavernous nerve stimulation and penile tissue will assessed for smooth muscle function, morphology, fibrosis, and innervation. Markers of PFAS toxicity – liver, spleen, thymus and cholesterol changes – will also be measured.

Students will gain experience handling animals, performing behavioral experiments, assisting with surgery, and performing histology and tissue bath experiments. We are looking for a motivated, hard-working individual who is eager to join our group. Learn more about our lab and interests here: https://twitter.com/Hannan_Lab