Dr Domingo Tortonese
D.V.M., Dr.Vet.Sci.(LaPlata), Ph.D.(W.Virginia)
Current positions
Senior Lecturer in Anatomy
Bristol Medical School (THS)
Contact
Press and media
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Research interests
My research focuses on the neuroendocrine regulation of fertility.
The specific aim is to identify the signal transduction pathways and the neural, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the control of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophin secretion during naturally occurring temporal changes in fertility.
To this end, my team has developed two complementary lines of research: on one hand, to investigate the regulation of GnRH neuronal networks within the hypothalamus, and, on the other, the paracrine interactions within the pituitary gland that may modulate the response of gonadotroph cells to GnRH stimulation. The link between these two lines of research is the participation of prolactin, a hormone that, in addition to its role during lactation, has been shown to negatively regulate the reproductive axis.
We have employed in vivo and in vitro strategies in an integrated manner using immortalised cell lines and four experimental models. Overall, this inter-disciplinary, multi-model, integrated strategy has allowed us to investigate the topic from its molecular basis to whole systems.
In addition to our main research, I have developed two separate equine projects with institutions within and outside the UK, to assess: i) the neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate the effects of transmeridian flying on equine physiology and performance; and ii) meiotic segregation in equine hybrids.
Research findings
- Signal transduction pathways and neuronal mechanisms underlying the effects of prolactin on the control of fertility.
- Intra-pituitary regulation of gonadotrophin secretion.
- Jetlag in horses: neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the effects of transmeridian flying on equine welfare and performance.
- Fertility in equine hybrids.
Further information about Dr Domingo Tortonese can be found here.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
EXTENSION: Angiogenic mechanisms underlie seasonal adaptation to a changing environment
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Bristol Medical School (THS)Dates
01/10/2020 to 30/09/2021
Angiogenic mechanisms underlie seasonal adaptation to a changing environment
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of AnatomyDates
01/03/2019 to 31/05/2023
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS AND NEURONAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING EFFECTS OF PRL ON THE CONTROL OF FERTILITY
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of AnatomyDates
15/01/2001 to 15/01/2004
Thesis supervisions
Publications
Recent publications
15/06/2022Hypophysial angiogenesis decodes annual time and underlies physiological adaptation to seasonal changes in the environment.
Journal of Experimental Zoology
The influence of patellofemoral stabilisation surgery on joint congruity
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
Mapping the contact area of the patellofemoral joint
Bone and Joint Journal
Physiological Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors as Homeostatic Regulators
Comprehensive Physiology
Mechanisms regulating angiogenesis underlie seasonal control of pituitary function
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America