Grayson-Jockey Club Funds New Equine Projects

The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has authorized funding of 22 equine research projects for a total of $777,524 in the year 2002. The scientific research addresses various issues of horse health, including Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome, laminitis, athletic soundness, and cutting-edge use of adult stem cells for cartilage repair.

The 22 projects will be conducted simultaneously at 16 universities in the United States and Canada. Nine of the projects are two-year grants entering their second year, while 13 are one- or two-year grants being begun in 2002.

Among those to be launched in 2002 is the role of intestinal disease as a cause of laminitis, by Dr. Philip Johnson of the University of Missouri ($55,360). Hormonal function in mares suffering from MRLS will be directed by Dr. Dietrich H. Volkmann of Cornell University ($13,150). The activity of genes, as they relate to diseases caused by a common category of bacteria will be studied by the University of Georgia's Dr. Michael L. Vandenplas ($37,000).

Respiratory immune response in young foals will be headed by Dr. David W. Horohov of Louisiana State University ($57,680). The study of bacteria associated with MRLS will be under the direction of the University of Kentucky's Dr. James M. Donahue ($22,300). Addressing the possible side effects of the use of phenylbutzone will be studied by Dr. Rebecca McConnico of Louisiana State University ($51,551). Dr. Alan J. Nixon of Cornell University will look at the use of stem cells for cartilage repair to combat arthritis and stress-induced breakdown ($50,749).

Other projects deal with electrical treatment for heart rhythm disturbance; the production of synthetic hormones essential for fertility; accelerated return to breeding normalcy after fetal loss; effects of airway inflammation and mucus; functional analyses of specific arteries involved with laminitis; and altered dose patterns of furosemide for patients with excessive fluids.

Two-year grants entering their second year in 2002 are as follows:

Identification of Immunology Proteins Specific to Strangles
Dr. John Timoney, University of Kentucky, $45,600.

Analysis of Semen in Unexplained Infertility Cases
Dr. Steven P. Brinsko, Texas A & M, $14,787

Practical Equine DNA Vaccination
Dr. Paul Lunn, University of Wisconsin, $41,205

Is Suspensory Apparatus Injury Related to Condylar Fracture?
Dr. Sue Stover, University of California-Davis, $34,996

Seeking Solutions to Problems of the Cecum (Related to Colic)
Dr. David Schneider, Washington State University, $24,910

The Role of Volatile Fatty Acids in Equine Gastric Ulcers
Dr. Frank Andrews, University of Tennessee, $30,350

Development of a Refined Equine Model for EPM
Dr. William Saville, Ohio State University, $54,238

Further Evaluation of Shoes and Impact Trauma
Dr. David Nunamaker, University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center, $31,482

Use of Serum Markers to Detect Pending Joint and Bone Injury
Dr. David Frisbie, Colorado State University, $39,060