PESTICIDE EXPOSURE AND INCREASED RISK OF AGE-RELATED VISION LOSS
A post-doctoral scientist is needed in the Neurophysiological Toxicology
Branch of the US Environmental Protection Agency in Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina, near Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham. This is a
three-year federal position. Salary and application details may be
found at
http://www.epa.gov/nheerl/postdocs/
or contact:
Andrew M Geller, PhD
Neurotoxicology Division
USEPA
MD 74B
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
voice: 919 541 4208
fax: 919 541 4849
e-mail: geller.andrew@epa.gov
Project Description:
Many studies of the causes of age-related retinal degeneration identify
“environmental factors” as sunlight, smoking, and nutrition. We are
investigating the possible effects of an additional factor,
environmental toxicants, since retinal degeneration has been reported in
humans exposed to pesticides and in animal models of exposure to
pesticides. A post-doctoral scientist is needed to develop in vivo and
in vitro methods to assess animal models of adult exposure to
cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides with respect to dose-related
changes in physiology, structure and biochemistry consistent with models
of retinal degeneration. In particular, electrophysiological and
biochemical measures will be used to determine whether 1) exposure to
cholinesterase-inhibiting compounds results in long-term functional
consequences to the visual system, 2) whether these consequences are
linked to exposure-related changes in 2nd messenger function and
structure, and 3) whether there are age-related differences in
sensitivity to exposure. The fellow will have the opportunity to
develop skills in retinal and cortical visual electrophysiology,
biochemistry, and mathematical modeling of the physiological data.
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