Biology Student Selected to Present at the Private Colleges Scholars at the Capitol Program

Bethel biology student Jennifer Berger was among 40 students from private liberal arts colleges around Minnesota selected to present the results of their research to the governor, legislators and the public in the State Capitol rotunda on February 14, 2007. Jennifer presented her work entitled "Pharmacological Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Caulophyllum thatlictroides (Blue Cohosh) on Isolated Mus musculus Uteri". Jennifer worked with Dr. Teresa DeGolier and her work was funded by the C. Weldon Jones Research Scholarship and a Tri-Beta Research Grant.

Abstract
The roots of Caulophyllum thalictroides, traditionally used as an aid for childbirth, contain several active alkaloids and saponins, which act directly on uterine smooth muscle resulting in an oxytocic response. The historical use of this herbal supplement has been well documented, but there are few clinical studies addressing its efficacy and potential side effects. This research investigated the physiological and pharmacological responses of Blue Cohosh on isolated strips of mice uterine tissue. Uterine horns from mice were suspended in a smooth muscle bath and exposed to the aqueous extract of Blue Cohosh (doses ranging from .03-23.8mg). All tissues showed an increase in the strength of contraction, the frequency of the contraction, and basal tonus. Contractile amplitudes were significantly greater with higher doses (P=.0001). The stages of estrous were determined by vaginal smears and dosedependency was consistent in all stages of estrous observed (diestrus, estrus, metestrus). Blocking experiments showed that uterine tissues given a control dose of Blue Cohosh, followed by 1.0mg curare, a nicotinic receptor antagonist, resulted in a 70% decrease in contractile response following a second application of Blue Cohosh.