Elaine S. Coleman, DVM, PhD Associate Professor of Veterinary Anatomy and Neuroscience joined the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She received her D.V.M. degree from Ohio State University in 1984. She completed an internship in Small Animal Surgery and Medicine from 1984-1985, and a residency in Small Animal Neurology/Neurosurgery from 1985-1988, both at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Coleman received her Ph.D. from Auburn University in 1992 and was a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Marie Wooten, Auburn University, from 1993-1994.
334-844-6885 colemes@auburn.edu
Research Interests Astrocytes classically have been thought of as non-excitable, support cells in the CNS. Recent studies demonstrate that astrocytes play an important role in normal neuronal homeostasis and function and are instrumental in the pathophysiology of certain neurotoxicities. Astrocyte functions include production of growth factors, modulation of synaptic activity, blood brain barrier contributions, metabolic regulators for normal neuronal function, regulation of extracellular ion homeostasis, and maintenance of extracellular glutamate at appropriate physiological concentrations. Currently we are studying the effects of selected metabolic and toxic disorders on astrocyte function. Techniques utilized in the laboratory include protein extraction, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, RNA extraction, and  PCR. Selected Publications Dennis JC, Coleman ES, Swyers SE, Moody SW, Wright JC, Judd R, Morrison EE.  (2005)  Changes in mitotic rate and GFAP expression in the primary olfactory axis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Neurocytology 34:3-10. Coleman ES, Judd R, Hoe L, Dennis J, Posner P.  (2004)  Effects of diabetes on astrocyte GFAP and glutamate transporters in the CNS. GLIA 48:166-178. Coleman ES.  (1999)  Canine narcolepsy and the role of the nervous system. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 21:641-650. Coleman ES, and Sartin JL  (1996)  Endotoxin stimulates in vitro pituitary growth hormone release in an eicosanoid-dependent manner.  Am J Vet Res 57:1662-1667. Coleman ES, and Wooten MW  (1994)  Nerve growth factor-induced differentiation of PC12 cells employs the PMA-insensitive protein kinase C-zeta isoform. J Molecular Neurosci 5:1-15. Coleman ES, Elsasser TH, Kemppainen RJ, Coleman DA, and Sartin JL  (1993)  The effects of endotoxin on pituitary hormone secretion in sheep. Neuroendocrinology 58:111-122.