Some Suggested Term-Paper Topics

The following are examples/suggestions of term topics. I would encourage you to think of at least two or three topics that you would be interested in reporting. Then, by Tuesday, October 09, each student will make a preliminary decision in class. You are quite welcome to think up topics of your own, provided that you gain my approval of your choice. Keep in mind that your term report should be oriented toward basic research data more than on clinical stuff. As much information as you can organize at the cellular/molecular level is best.

(NOTE: You should turn in a paragraph (100-word max) summary by Nov. 8.)

1. The formation and action of lipoxins, especially lipoxin A4.

2. The induction of exocytosis/secretion by peptide/trophic hormones.

3. The function of chromophobes in the anterior pituitary.

4. Internalization of peptide hormone/membrane receptor complexes.

5. The regulation of prolactin secretion.

6. The action of somatocrinin versus somatostatin on TSH and PRL secretions.

7. The effect of exercise on endorphin secretion.

8. The effect of sexual activity on endorphin secretion.

9. Analysis of biological evolution by studying the molecular structure of hormones.

10. The Mechanism of axoplasmic transport of neurohormones.

11. Location and nature of steroid and/or thyroid hormone receptors.

12. The effect of glycosylation on glycoprotein hormones.

13. The direct effect of GnRH on the gonads.

14. The nature and function of any one of the growth factors, such as NGF, EGF, FGF, etc.

15. Possible relationships between kallikrein and the growth factors.

16. The role of bradykinin in inflammatory processes and/or fibroblast function.

17. The mechanism of action of melatonin on sleep and other biological processes.

18. Vitamin D and its function/role(s) as a steroid hormone.

19. Pancreatic F-cells and the functions of "pancreatic polypeptide".

20 The role of hormones and the hypothalamus in anorexia nervosa

21. Effects of excess androgens from the adrenal cortex in females.

22. Latest information on the role of estradiol in "masculinization" of the male brain.

23. Latest information on the so-called "feminization" of the male brain.

24. Cause of the onset of puberty in humans.

25. Cause of the onset of labor in humans.

26. The effects of opiates on the reproductive system.

27. The effects of cannabinoids/marihuana on the reproductive system.

28. The effects of alcohol on the reproductive system.

29. The evidence for prostaglandins as hormones.

30. Any protein kinases other than the ones we have discussed in class.

31. The latest information on the function(s) of the b g -subunit of G-proteins.

32. An overview of membrane ion channels which possess hormone receptors.

33. The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase pathway from arachidonic acid.

34. The biological function of 12-HETE (i.e., 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid).

35. The latest information on G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs).

36. The relationship between hormone(s) and metallothionein.

37. The relationship between hormone(s) and early growth response protein-1 (egr-1).

38. Similarities between the adrenal cortex and the ovary.

39. The role of transcription factors in target tissue responses.

40. A concise summary of an "immediate early response."

You should use the most current publications, and you should focus on "molecular" endocrinology. It is easiest to start with review articles, but your report should also be based on primary research articles. I would suggest that you base your report/lecture on 3-5 review articles and 5-10 primary research articles. In the 2-3 page typewritten report that you turn in the day of your oral presentation, you should cite in the text of your written report the place where you use your reference material. Also, be sure to include your reference list at the end of your report. Your oral report should be 15-20 minutes long--no more. It is much better if you key on one or two aspects of your selected topic, rather than trying to cover all of the knowledge that you became familiar with during your library work. Provide the class with information that is not already available in your textbook.