completed studies

Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded more than $51 million in research to protect, treat, and cure the world’s companion animals and wildlife.

Along the way, our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. You can search our completed-study database by species and/or disease to learn more about our successes.

INSTRUCTIONS - Click here for a non-javascript, ADA-compatible studies navigator. Otherwise, Select a division from the left column, a disease or disorder from the middle column, and a study ID number from the right column.

D05EQ-605: “Immunoglobulin Isotype Expression in Lymphoid Tissues of the Equine Fetus and Neonate”

principal investigator: Kristin McLaughlin, student, Cornell University
completed
Project Mentor: Maria Flaminio, DVM, PhD

Because foals are especially susceptible to infection and B cells play such an important role in the immune response and defense, this project evaluated the competence of B cells in the horse from gestation to adulthood. The study found that equine B cells are capable of performing basic functions at birth though there are interesting limitations in the production of certain antibody subtypes (a measure of B cell competence) in the foal up to 3 months of age. We presented this research at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine forum on June 6-9, 2007.

Kristin says, “Before this summer, I had very little and not very positive experience working in a research laboratory. This program exposed me to a friendly and nurturing environment… I am now considering further pursuit of equine research…”