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The Laboratory of Dr. James A. Carr

My research focuses on various aspects of comparative neuroendocrinology. I am particularly interested in the physiology and evolution of brain and pituitary POMC systems, the neuronal and hormonal mechanisms underlying stress-related behaviors, and the influence of environmental contaminants on endocrine function. We have several projects ongoing in the lab with support from the American Heart Association, NIH, Department of Defense, and intramural funding sources. Current projects include:

Selected Recent Publications:

Venkatesan, S. and Carr, J.A. (2001). Distribution of neuronal melanocortins in the spadefoot toad, Spea multiplicata and effects of stress. Brain, Behav. Evol., 57:150-160.

Goleman,W.L., Urquidi, L.J.,  Anderson, T.A., Kendall, R.J., Smith E.E., and Carr, J.A. (2002). Environmentally relevant concentrations of ammonium perchlorate inhibit development and metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 21: 424-430.

Goleman, W.L., Carr, J.A., and Anderson, T.A.  (2002). Environmentally relevant concentrations of ammonium perchlorate inhibit thyroid function and alter sex ratios in developing Xenopus laevis. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 21:590-597. 

Carr, J.A., Brown, C.L., Mansouri, R., and Venkatesan S. (2002).  Neuropeptides and prey-catching behavior in toads. Review. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 132:151-162.

Carr, J.A. and Summers, C.H. (2002). Stress-Is it more than a disease? A comparative look at stress and adaptation. Integrative Comp. Biol. 42: 505-507.

Carr, J.A. (2002). Stress, neuropeptides, and feeding behavior: A comparative perspective. Integrative Comp. Biol. 42: 582-590.

 Greenberg, N. Carr, J.A., and Summers, C.H. (2002). Causes and consequences of stress. Integrative Comp. Biol. 42: 508-516.1.      

Carr, J.A., Gentles, A., Smith, E.E., Goleman, W.L., Urquidi, L.J., Thuett, K., Kendall, R.J., Giesy, J.P., Gross, T.S., Solomon, K.R., Van Der Kraak, G. (2003). Response of larval Xenopus laevis to atrazine: Assessment of growth, metamorphosis, and gonadal and laryngeal morphology.  Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 22: 396-405.

Carr, J.A., Urquidi, L.J., Goleman, W. L., Hu, F., Smith, P. N., and Theodorakis, C.W., (2003). Ammonium perchlorate disruption of thyroid function in natural amphibian populations: Assessment and potential impact, ” Multiple Stressor Effects in Relation to Declining Amphibian Populations, ASTM STP 1443, G. Linder, Ed., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. Pps. 131-142.

Carr, J.A. and Zozzaro, P.E. (2004). The toad iris assay: a simple method for evaluating CRH action on the sympathetic nervous system.   Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 135:134-141.

Lab Personnel:

  • Fang Hu, Ph.D. student
  • Wanda Goleman, Ph.D. student
  • Omar Shoukfeh, HHMI Undergraduate Research Student
  • Nafisa Ahmed, HHMI Undergraduate Research Student
  • Julie Mancillas, Undergraduate Research Student

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    CRH-ir neurons project through the ependyma to contact CSF in larval bullfrogs.

     

     

     

    Course Descriptions:

     

     

    This page is maintained by Dr. Carr.
    Department of Biological Sciences
    Texas Tech University
    Box 4-3131
    Lubbock, TX 79409-3131
    phone: 806/742-2724; fax: 806/742-2963
    james.carr@ttu.edu
     
     
    Last modified on January 14, 2004.