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Thomas D. Parsons VMD, PhDAssistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery
Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery
Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Studies – New Bolton Center
Department: Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery
Contact information
University of Pennsylvania
Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center School of Veterinary Medicine 382 West Street Road Kennett Square, PA 19348-1692
Office: 610-925-6220
Fax: 610-925-8134 Email: thd@vet.upenn.edu
Graduate Group Affiliations
Publications
Education:
B.A. (Biology & Neuroscience, Magna Cum Laude) Amherst College, 1982. V.M.D. (Veterinary Medicine) University of Pennsylvania, 1986. Ph.D. (Neuroscience) University of Pennsylvania, 1989.
Post-Graduate Training
Permanent linkPre-Doctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania, Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program, 1982-1988. Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, Supervisor: Brian M. Salzberg, 1988-1989. Resident Visitor, Solid State and Quantum Physics Research Dept., AT&T Bell Labs , 1988-1989. Research Associate, School of Medicine, Emory University, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Supervisor: H. Criss Hartzell , 1989-1992. Research Associate, Abteilung Molekulare Zellforschung Max-Planck-Institut f. Medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, Germany, Supervisors: Wolfhard Almers & Bert Sakmann , 1993-1995. Description of Research ExpertiseRESEARCH INTERESTSCellular and molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release KEY WORDS: exocytosis, endocytosis, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter release RESEARCH TECHNIQUES time-resolved detection of neurotransmitter release from single cells: cell membrane capacitance, amperometric voltametry, and voltage clamp of detector cells or sniffer patches; optical monitoring and modulation of intracellular calcium; fluorescent indicator dyes of calcium, and photolabile chelators of calcium; cell culture and brain slice-like preparations. RESEARCH SUMMARY My laboratory focuses on pre-synaptic mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. Hearing dictates that the inner hair cell of the cochlea must release transmitter for prolonged periods and with exquisite temporal fidelity. Mechanisms of neurotransmitter release are being studied to understand the cellular and molecular specializations utilized by different parts of the nervous system to meet their unique requirements for neurotransmission. Primary area of research: Basic sciences – Neuroscience with a special emphasis on synaptic mechanisms in the auditory system. Clinical science – Swine health and well-being Selected Publications*Eisen, M.D, M.A. Spassova, and T.D. Parsons.: Large releasable pool of synaptic vesicles in chick cochlear hair. J. Neurophysiol. 91: 2422-2428, 2004.*Spassova, M., M. Avissar, A.C. Furman, M.A. Crumling, J.C. Saunders & T.D. Parsons. : Evidence that rapid replenishment of the synaptic ribbon with vesicles mediates recovery from short-term adaptation at the hair cell afferent synapse. J.Assc.Res.Otolaryn. 5: 376-390, 2004. Elmariah, S.B., M.A. Crumling, T.D. Parsons, R. Balice-Gordon.: Postsynaptic TrkB-mediated signaling modulates excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor clustering at hippocampal synapses. J. Neurosci. 10: 2380-2393, 2004. Parsons, T.D. and P. Sterling.: Synaptic ribbon: a conveyor belt or safety belt? Neuron 37: 379-382, 2003. *Spassova, M.A., M.D. Eisen, J.C. Saunders, and T.D. Parsons.: Cochlear hair cell exocytosis is mediated by DHP-sensitive calcium channel. J. Physiol 353: 35-44, 2001. *Zayas-Cruz, E. P.M. Pitcher and T.D. Parsons.: Motivating and monitoring minimal crossfostering management in the farrowing house. J. Swine Health and Production 8: 269-272, 2000. *Hassinger, W.J., K.A. Monahan, K.A. T.L. Scanlon, and T.D. Parsons.: Nutrient management practices among swine operations of various sizes. Am.Vet. Med. Assc. 217: 1526-1535, 2000. Parsons, T.D., G.C.R. Ellis-Davies, J.H. Kaplan and W. Almers.: Millisecond studies of calcium-dependent exocytosis in pituitary melanotrophs: Comparison of the photolabile calcium chelators nitrophenyl-EGTA and DM-nitrophen. Cell Calcium 19: 185-192, 1996. Gardner, I.A., T.E. Carpenter, L. Leontidis, and T.D. Parsons.: Financial evaluation of vaccination and testing alternatives for control of parvovirus-induced reproductive failure in swine. J. Am. Vet. Med. 208: 863-869, 1996. Parsons, T.D., J.C. Coorssen, H. Horstmann, and W. Almers.: Docked granules, the exocytic burst and the need for ATP hydrolysis in endocrine cells. Neuron. 15: 1085-1096, 1995.
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