Brent D. Palmer, PhD.
Professor

Biological Sciences

Phone:
(859) 257-5673

Fax:
(859)  257-1717

e-mail:
bpalmer@uky.edu

Web page:
http://biology.uky.edu/palmer

My research program focuses on conservation of wildlife species. Reproduction is the critical life stage that enables a species to propogate itself and ensure survival of the species. Anything that impairs reproduction may lead to population decline and ultimately to extinction. I am a comparative reproductive biologist and endocrinologist specializing in lower vertebrates. Many common pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, disrupt the endocrine system by binding to hormone receptors in either an agonistic or antagonistic fashion, thereby altering endogenous hormonal signals. These environmental endocrine disrupters have the ability to severely impact adult reproduction and embryonic development. Embryos are particularly sensitive to endocrine disrupting effects since they use hormonal signals to direct the development of anatomical systems and establish physiological set points. My research program uses comparative vertebrate reproductive endocrinology and functional morphology to investigate mechanisms of action of environmental endocrine disrupters and their effects on wildlife populations, particularly on amphibians and reptiles. In addition, my research program uses an integrative approach to investigate the evolution of reproductive modes, such as oviparity and viviparity.

Research Publications/Presentations

J.S. Rehage, S.G. Lynn, J.I. Hammond, B.D. Palmer and A. Sih. 2002.  Effects of larval exposure to triphenyltin on the survival,  growth, and behavior of larval and juvenile Ambystoma barbouri. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 21(4):807-15.

Rohr, J.R., A.A. Elskus, B.S. Shepherd, P.H. Crowley, T.M. McCarthy, J.H. Niedzwiecki, T. Sager, A. Sih, B.D. Palmer.  2003. Lethal and sublethal effects of atrazine, carbaryl, endosulfan, and octylphenol on the Streamside Salamander, Ambystoma barbouri.  Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 22(10):2385-2392.

Palmer, B.D.  2000. Anatomy and Physiology of Reptiles.  In:  The Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles.  Sparling, DW, G. Linder, and C.A. Bishop (eds). 2000.  Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles.  Soc. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. Press, Pensacola, FL, USA.  Pp. 111-139.

Selcer, K.W., S. Nagaraja, P. Foret, D. Wagner, L. Williams, and B.D. Palmer.  2001.  Vitellogenin as a biomarker for estrogenic chemicals: development of antibodies and primers with broad species applications.  In:  PCBs: Recent Advances in the Environmental Toxicology and Health Effects.  L.W. Robertson and L.G. Hansen (ed.).  University of Kentucky Press, Lexington, KY.  pp. 285-292.

Palmer, B.D. and K.W. Selcer. 1996. Vitellogenin as a Biomarker for Xenobiotic Estrogens: A Review. In: Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Vol. 5. D.A. Bengtson and D.S. Henshel, eds. American Society for Testing and Materials, STP 1306, Philadelphia. pp. 3-22.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., A.R. Woodward, D.A. Crain, G.R. Masson, B.D. Palmer, M.C. Cox, Q. You-Xiang, and E.F. Orlando. 1997. The reproductive cycle of the female American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). General and Comparative Endocrinology,108:87-1997.

Palmer, B.D., M.J. Perkins, K. Massie, M.S. Simon, M.C.A. Uribe. 1997. Reproductive anatomy and physiology of reptiles: evolutionary and ecological perspectives. In: The Biology, Husbandry and Health Care of Reptiles and Amphibians. Vol. 1: Reptiles. L. Ackerman (ed.). TFH Publications. pp. 54-87.

Palmer, B.D., L.K. Huth, D.L. Pieto, and K.W. Selcer. 1998. Vitellogenin as a biomarker for xenobiotic estrogens in an amphibian model system. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 17(1):30-36.

Uribe, M.C.A., G. Gonzalez-Porter, B.D. Palmer, and L.J. Guillette, Jr. 1999. Cyclic histological changes of the oviductal-cloacal juncture in the viviparous snake Toluca lineata.. J. Morphol. 237:91-100.