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Mathematical Biology seminar
  
Ron Siegel 
University of Minnesota 
"Modeling of Rhythmic Drug and Hormone Delivery" 
October 27 
3:05pm in LCB 225
  
In order to meet the need for an implantable hormone delivery system
that releases gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in rhythmic
pulses, we have constructed a hydrogel/enzyme system whose swelling,
and hence permeability to GnRH, oscillates autonomously when fueled by
constant levels of glucose. The system exhibits limit cycle-type
behavior, due to an unstable negative feedback between an enzyme
reaction, and a hysteretic phase transition exhibited by the
hydrogel. We will present a lumped model of this system, which
reproduces some of the observed behaviors. In addition, we will
discuss a preliminary model for the optimization of drug delivery for
drugs that exhibit tolerance.  
 
 
  
For more information contact J. Keener,  1-6089
 E-mail:
keener@math.utah.edu
 
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