The Department of Anatomy and Histology witnessed the defense of a Master’s thesis by student Duaa Saeed Abdullah, entitled: “Histological Study of the Association of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) with Development of the Male Rat’s Hippocampus.” The defense was attended by the specialized scientific committee and a number of faculty members and researchers.
The study aimed to investigate the nature of the histological changes that occur in the structure of the hippocampus in male rats across different age groups, analyzing the morphological and histological differences associated with aging. The thesis also focused on investigating the relationship between the development of hippocampal tissue and the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), given the essential role this factor plays in the growth and maturation of nerve cells and the promotion of neuroplasticity.
The study included an evaluation of several immunological markers associated with glial cells and apoptosis (programmed cell death), as well as an analysis of oxidative stress markers in hippocampal tissue. The aim was to develop a comprehensive scientific understanding of the mechanisms of neuronal maturation and age-related changes in this highly functional brain region.
The examining committee consisted of:
Prof. Dr. Mona Hussein Hassan – Chair.
Assistant Professor Dr. Siraj Munir Naama – Member / Al-Qasim Green University – College of Veterinary Medicine.
Assistant Professor Dr. Muayad Naeem Karim – Member / University of Kerbala – College of Science.
Prof. Dr. Sinaa Jabouri Mohammed – Member and First Supervisor / University of Kerbala – College of Education for Pure Sciences.
Prof. Dr. Wafaa Jabouri Mohammed – Member and Second Supervisor / University of Kerbala – College of Applied Medical Sciences.
This thesis is part of ongoing research efforts to enhance neurohistochemical studies and enrich the scientific literature with findings that contribute to understanding the mechanisms of structural and functional brain development, particularly concerning BDNF and its role in regulating neuronal growth and age-related changes.
At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee commended the student’s scientific effort and the high level of research she presented, wishing her continued success in her academic and research career.
