Sheba
M.J. MohanKumar, Assistant Professor1988, BVSc (eq. DVM), Tamilnadu Agricultural University, India
1992, M.S., Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
1996, Ph.D., Neuroendocrinology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
1997-1999, Postdoctoral Fellow, Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University
1999-2000, Research Assistant Professor, Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University
2000-2006, Assistant Professor, Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University
2006-present, Assistant Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University
Research Synopsis
Research in our lab focuses on two areas of Neuroendocrinology:
1. Neuroimmunoendocrinology: We are trying to understand the mechanisms by which the immune system communicates with and regulates the neuroendocrine system to affect various body functions. Our primary focus is on the stress axis and the reproductive axis. Both these axes are controlled by specific neurons located in the brain and are influenced by a variety of neurochemicals and hormones. We use cytokines and LPS as immune modulators and study their effects on brain neurotransmitters such as monoamines and aminoacid neurotransmitters and how they interact with each other to affect hormone secretion.
2. Neuroendocrine changes caused by aging, obesity and endocrine disruptors: We also study cellular and molecular changes that occur in specific brain areas during the aging process, in obesity and after exposure to endocrine disruptors.
We use both whole animal models and cell culture systems in our studies. Some of the techniques used in the laboratory include perfusion of specific brain areas in conscious freely moving animals, brain microdissection, immunohistochemistry, HPLC with electrochemical detection, and several molecular techniques. We collaborate with investigators within the department, in MSU and around the state.
Current Projects
Interleukin-1 induced suppression of luteinizing hormone secretion: Role of norepinephrine and GABA.
Effects of chronic estrogen exposure on brain dopaminergic systems.
Selected Achievements since 2003
SCAVMA Excellence in Teaching award- 2003
Selected Samples of Publications Since 2003
Mohankumar SM, Campbell A, Block M, Veronesi B.
Particulate matter, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity.Neurotoxicology. 29(3):478-87, 2008. Review.
Clark KA, Shin AC, Sirivelu MP, Mohankumar SM, Mohankumar PS.
Systemic administration of leptin decreases plasma corticosterone levels: role of hypothalamic norepinephrine. Brain Res. 1195:89-95, 2008.
MohanKumar SM, King A, Shin AC, Sirivelu MP, MohanKumar PS, Fink GD.
Developmental programming of cardiovascular disorders: focus on hypertension.
Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 8(2):115-25, 2007. Review.
Pasarica, M., Shin, A.C., Yu, M., Yang, H.O., Rathod, M., Jen, K.L.C., MohanKumar, S.M., MohanKumar, P.S., Markward, N., and Dhurandhar, N.V. Human adenovirus 36 induces adiposity, increases insulin sensitivity, and alters hypothalamic monoamines and stress axis in rats. Obesity (Silver Spring) 14(11):1905-13, 2006.
Sirivelu, M.P., MohanKumar, S.M., Wagner, J.G., Harkema, J.R. and MohanKumar, P.S. Activation of the stress axis and neurochemical alterations in specific brain areas by concentrated air particle exposure with concomitant allergic airway disease. Env. Health Persp. 114(6):870-4, 2006.
Clarke, K.A., MohanKumar, S.M., Kasturi, B.S., and MohanKumar, P.S. Effects of systemic and central administration of leptin on brain neurotransmitters in specific areas of the hypothalamus. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol.290(2):R306-12, 2006.
Mohankumar, S.M., and Mohankumar PS. Systemic Interleukin-1beta stimulates the simultaneous release of norepinephrine in the paraventricular nucleus and the median eminence. Brain Res Bull. 65: 451-456, 2005.
MohanKumar, S.M., and MohanKumar, P.S. Aging alters norepinephrine release in the medial preoptic area in response to steroid priming in ovariectomized rats.
Brain Res. 1023:24-30, 2004.
Francis, J., MohanKumar, S.M. and MohanKumar, P.S. Leptin inhibits norepinephrine efflux from the hypothalamus in vitro: Role of gamma aminobutyric acid. Brain Res. 1021:286-291, 2004.
MohanKumar, S.M., Smith, C.L. and MohanKumar, P.S. Central adaptation to chronic administration of Interleukin-1 beta in rats. Brain Res. Bull. 62:71-76, 2003.