Helen I'Anson John T. Perry Professor of Biology and Research Science

Howe 405
540-458-8974
iansonh@wlu.edu

HHMI Program Director

St. Andrews University Biology Program Coordinator

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Ph.D.: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Graduate Education Certificate: University of Reading, UK
B.S. Botany & Zoology (Joint Honors): University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK

Research

Neurobiology of Puberty

This is an ongoing project to determine the metabolic signals and sensors within the brain which transduce metabolic information, and the neurotransmitter pathways which transmit this metabolic information to the brain region which controls reproduction. My current research interests focus on the neuroendocrine regulation of energy partitioning in the developing mammal.

Alarming data on the percentage of overweight and obese youth in Virginia (22%), suggests an urgent need to study appetite regulation in appropriate animal models. Snack foods account for up to 27% of daily caloric intake in children and contribute significantly to excess energy intake and weight gain, however, there are no animal models that study the role of snacking in obesity onset during development. Our ongoing project investigates the signals and mechanisms involved in early onset of obesity due to snacking using a newly developed female rat model.

Teaching

Fundamentals of Biology (BIOL 111)
Research Preparation in the Sciences (INTR 200)
Reproductive Physiology (BIOL 255)
Microanatomy (BIOL 355)
Animal Physiology (BIOL 362)
Neuroendocrinology (BIOL 397/NEUR 395)
Directed Independent Study (BIOL/NEUR 401-403)
Directed Independent Research (BIOL/NEUR 421-424)

Selected Publications

Sajapitak S, Iwata K, Shahab M, Uenoyama Y, Yamada S, Kinoshita M, Bari FY, I'Anson H, Tsukamura H, Maeda K. Central lipoprivation-induced suppression of luteinizing hormone pulses is mediated by paraventricular catecholaminergic inputs in female rats. Endocrinology. 149(6):3016-24, 2008.

Sajapitak S, Uenoyama Y, Yamada S, Kinoshita M, Iwata K, Bari FY, I'Anson H, Tsukamula H, Maeda K. Paraventricular alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors mediate hindbrain lipoprivation-induced suppression of luteinizing hormone pulses in female rats. J Reprod Dev. 54(3):198-202, 2008.

Jethwa PH., I’Anson H, Warner A*, Prosser HM, Bradley A, Hastings MH, Maywood ES, Ebling FJP: Loss of prokinetcin receptor 2 (ProkR2) signaling predisposes mice to torpor. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 294(6):R1968-79, 2008.

Warner A*, Jethwa PH, Wyse C, I'Anson H, Brameld J, and Ebling FJP. Effects of photoperiod on locomotor activity, energy expenditure and feeding behavior in a seasonal mammal. American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 298:r1409-R1416, 2010.

I’Anson H, Jethwa PH, Warner A*, and Ebling FJP. Histaminergic regulation of seasonal metabolic rhythms in Siberian hamsters. Physiology and Behavior. 103(3-4):268-278, 2011.

Walsh, T.G*, Webre, C.C*. and I’Anson, H. Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) alter energy partitioning during development in female rats. Physiology and Behavior. In preparation.

* denotes student co-authors

Hickman, C.P., Roberts, L.S., Keen, S., Larson, A., Eisenhour, D.J., I’Anson, H.: “ Integrated Principles of Zoology” 16th edition, McGraw Hill (pubs), 2014.

Hickman, C.P., Roberts, L.S., Keen, S., Larson, A., Eisenhour, D.J., I’Anson, H.: “ Integrated Principles of Zoology” 15th edition, McGraw Hill (pubs), 2011.

Hickman, C.P., Roberts, L.S., Keen, S., Larson, A., I’Anson, H., Eisenhour, D.J.: “ Integrated Principles of Zoology” 14th edition, McGraw Hill (pubs), 2007.