Research - Physiology/Reproduction

The Ottinger lab studies neuroendocrine regulation of endocrine and behavioral components of reproduction in birds and mammals. Developmental and aging processes are focus areas, especially as impacted by endocrine disrupting chemicals. Studies include molecular and cellular bases of neuroendocrine processes as well as the dynamics of endocrine and behavioral responses at the system level. Collaborations with the National Zoo of the Smithsonian Institution and Patuxent Wildlife Center provide opportunities for students to research a variety of species and consider conservation and ecosystem level effects on processes that we study.

Teaching

• ANSC 446: Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction
• MEES and ANSC, Seminar Courses, including: Endocrine Factors Affecting Wildlife; Aging and Environmental Influences

Awards and Honors

• 1997 University of Maryland Chapter of Sigma Xi Annual Research Award
• 1998-99 President of Federation of Animal Science Societies
• 1999 Alumni Award for Research, UMCP, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association
• 1999 OECD Fellowshipto study molecular endocrine techniques at the Roslin Institute, Roslin, Scotland, UK
• 2000 Helene C. Cecil Award for Research Contributions and Leadership

Other Accomplishments

• Author of 140 refereed scientific publications, 15 book chapters, and 390 abstracts
• Guest editor for 4 special issues of scientific journals
• Co-Editor of Avian Biology Research

Publications

Representative Publications

• Ottinger, M.A., E. Lavoie, N. Thompson, A. Barton, K. Whitehouse, M. Barton, M. Abdelnabi, M.Quinn, Jr., G. Panzica, C. Viglietti-Panzica (2007). Neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of embryonic exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in birds. Brain Research Reviews. 57(2): 376-385. Epub Sep 19.
• Quinn, M.J., Jr., C. L. Summitt, M.A. Ottinger (2008). Consequences of in ovo exposure to p,p’-DDE on reproductive development and function in Japanese quail. Hormones and Behavior. 53(1): 249-153.
• Sitzmann, B.D., D.R. Lemos, M.A. Ottinger, H.F. Urbanski. (2008). Effects of age on clock gene expression in the rhesus macque pituitary gland. Neurobiology Aging. July 7 (Epub ahead of print).
• Quinn, M.L., Jr., M. McKernan, E.T. Lavoie, M.A. Ottinger (2008). Effects of estradiol on the development of the bursa of Fabricius in Japanese quail. J. Exper. Zoology Part A: Ecology, Genetics, Physiology. 311(2): 91-95.
• McKernan, M.A., B.A. Rattner, R.C. Hale, M.A. Ottinger (2008). Toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (DE-71) in chicken (Gallus gallus), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius) embryos and hatchlings. Environmental Toxicology Chemistry. 28(5): 1007-1017.
• Sitzmann, B.D., H.R. Urbanski, M.A. Ottinger. (2008). Aging in male primates: reproductive decline, effects of calorie restriction and future research potential. AGE. 30(2-3): 157-168.
• Ottinger, M.A., E.T. Lavoie, N. Thompson, M. Bohannon, K. Dean, and M. .J. Quinn, Jr. (2009). Is the gonadotropin releasing hormone system vulnerable to endocrine disruption in birds? Gen Comp Endocrinol 163 (1-2): 104-108.

Grants