Perspectives Winter/Spring 2018

College of Health Care Sciences 13 NSU, FAU, and UTHSC Collaborate on Sea Turtle Research Project ACULTY MEMBERS representing Florida Atlantic University, NSU, and the University of Texas joined forces on an original research study to explore the lymphatic systems of sea turtles. Little is currently known about the anatomy and function of the lymphatics in sea turtles. These structures are difficult to image and photograph with traditional techniques and devices. Thankfully, a new imaging device is enabling real-time imaging of the lymphatics in humans and other animals. Indocyanine Green with Near Infrared Fluoroscopy (ICG-NIRF) is helping to visualize the lymphatics and lymphatic flow unlike any other imaging method. The ICG-NIRF technique is FDA cleared for investigational use. The goal of this original research is twofold: To map the anatomy of aquatic and sea turtle lymphatics and to determine if fibropapillomatosis (FP) is related to lymphatic dysfunction resulting from environmental exposures. The faculty members doing the research are Heather Hettrick, Ph.D., PT, CWS, CLT-LANA, CLWT, associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in the NSU Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences; Derek Burkholder, Ph.D., research scientist at the Guy Har- vey Research Institute; Sarah Milton, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biolog- ical Sciences at Florida Atlantic University (FAU); and Eva Sevick-Muraca, Ph.D., distinguished chair and professor of cardiovascular research and a professor in the department of diag- nostic and interventional imaging at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC). A functioning lymphatic system is vital to overall health given the many responsibilities it performs, including the regulation of tissue homeostasis, removal of cellular debris, and im- mune cell trafficking (Ridner 2013). Most living creatures have a lymphatic system; however, it is not as well understood as compared to the other body systems. Although present, little is known about reptilian lymphatics. F [ Current Research ] (continued on next page)