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Mark A. Plessinger, Ph.D.
Dr. Plessinger is a member of the American Society of Andrology, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Society for Gynecologic Investigation Current areas of interest:
How to contact Dr. Plessinger: Current research: Dr Plessinger’s research addresses the cellular characteristics of the fetal membranes and cellular response mechanisms that lead to preterm, premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM). PROM (rupture of fetal membranes < 37 weeks gestation) comprises only 3-4% of all pregnancies, yet PROM accounts for 40-60% of all premature deliveries and is the largest contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Collagen formation and its regulation in the amnion is paramount to fetal membrane strength and is synthesized presumably by the fibroblasts (collagen I) and by the amniotic epithelial cells (collagen IV-basement membrane) that reside there. The fetal membranes consist of two layers: the amnion and the chorion. Fibroblasts isolated from the amnion and fibroblasts isolated from the chorion exhibit great differences in morphology and differences in cell proliferation. These differences in characteristics suggest differences in function as well as the existence of fibroblast subpopulations. We are currently examining the cell surface expression of Thy-1 and CD40, markers which have identified fibroblast subpopulations in other organs. Studies are currently underway demonstrating that isolated produce collagen I and amniotic epithelial cells produce collagen IV. Regulation of collagen formation is also dependent upon matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are produced by the amniotic epithelial cells and are thought to modulate the fetal membranes during fetal development. MMPs are also upregulated during normal parturition. Relaxin is a hormone normally secreted during the early phases of labor and results in dilation of the cervix. We are currently examining the effects of relaxin upon amniotic epithelial cells isolated from PROM cases and from term unlabored Cesarean sections and their productions of MMP1 and MMP9. Understanding how these cells of the amnion and chorion function during uncomplicated and during PROM will provide new insights into the mechanisms of PROM and prevention/treatment strategies. Research grants: NIH-NICHD 1R03HD44588-01 “Fetal Membrane Fibroblasts: Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis” 7/1/03-6/30/05. Richard W. and Mae Stone Goode Foundation “Preterm, Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes:MMP Production by Amniotic Epithelial Cells.” 6/1/03-5/31/05. NIH-NICHD 1R03HD39411-01 “Oxidants and Antioxidants as Mechanisms Underlying Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes.”-Completed. Selected recent publications:
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Dr.
Plessinger is currently an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
and is the Director of the Andrology Clinical Laboratory at Strong
Memorial Hospital at the University of Rochester. Dr. Plessinger received
his Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Cincinnati
in 1981. He received his Master's Degree in Biology from the University
of Cincinnati in 1986, while working in two other laboratories as
he was pursuing his Masters. Dr. Plessinger moved to Rochester to
continue studies of the effects of abused drugs on the fetus during
pregnancy with Dr. James R. Woods in 1986. In 1991, he entered the
Toxicology PhD Program at the University of Rochester culminating
in the Master's Degree in Toxicology in 1994, and the Ph.D. Degree
in Toxicology in 1996. Dr. Plessinger was appointed an Instructor
in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1996, Senior Instructor in 1999. 
