Thomas D. Parsons
Assistant 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
Graduate Group Affiliations
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
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
Fax: 610-925-8134
Email:
thd@vet.upenn.edu
thd@vet.upenn.edu
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.
Permanent linkB.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.
Description of Research Expertise
RESEARCH 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.