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Budhan Pukazhenthi, BVSc, Ph.D., M.S., Ungulate Scientist, Center for Species Survival, Department of Reproductive Sciences, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Reproductive Sciences

Education

Madras Veterinary College, India, B.V.Sc., Veterinary Sciences, 1987

University of Maryland, M.S., Animal Sciences, 1992

University of Maryland, Ph.D., Reproductive Physiology, 1996

Smithsonian Institution, National Zoological Park, Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Reproductive Physiology, 1996-1998

NIH Special Emphasis Research Career Award, 1998-2003

Professional History and Interests

Budhan Pukazhenthi has a diverse clinical and research background. After training and practicing as a clinical veterinarian in India, Pukazhenthi obtained research training in biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology at the University of Maryland. He joined the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and its Conservation and Research Center in 1992 to pursue a doctoral degree.

Capitalizing on his unique background, Pukazhenthi introduced a new dimension--utilizing molecular approaches to answer whole-animal problems--to the research conducted within the Department of Reproductive Sciences.

His most significant achievements include:

1. Demonstrating the link between cellular mechanisms and sperm function, including the phenomenon of teratospermia in felids (the production of malformed sperm common in some species)
2. Understanding the mechanisms that dictate the successful cryopreservation of cells, especially spermatozoa in felids, ungulates and elephants.

The primary goal of Pukazhenthi’s research is the conservation of critically endangered species including ungulates and elephants in captivity and in the wild. His research interests include understanding the fundamental reproductive biology of rare and endangered species, mitigating infertility, developing assisted reproductive technologies (artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer), and gamete and embryo cryopreservation.

Currently his research focuses on the Przewalski’s horse, Grevy’s zebra, Persian onager, brow-antlered deer (Eld’s deer), tufted deer, dama gazelle, scimitar-horned oryx, Baird’s tapir and elephants. He is also studying the reproductive biology of African lions in an effort to enhance reproduction in zoological institutions and developing innovative technologies for preservation of male and female gametes and reproductive tissues.

Pukazhenthi also is involved in various field conservation projects including in the reintroduction of Eld’s deer into the Western Forest Complex in Thailand and population surveys of Baird’s tapir in Panama. He also recently completed a biomedical survey of all Baird’s tapirs in captivity in Panama and for the first time, successfully collected and cryopreserved tapir spermatozoa.

Pukazhenthi has been a strong advocate for the development of collaborative research and actively participates in the activities of various species management organizations, including the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (of the IUCN-World Conservation Union), the Ungulate Taxon Advisory Group and various Species Survival Plans under the umbrella of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. He also serves as Chair (IUCN Eld’s Deer Interest Group), Co-Chair (AZA Biomaterial Banking Advisory Group), Reproductive Advisor (AZA Lion Species Survival Plan) and member (AZA Ungulate Taxon Advisory Group). Pukazhenthi has 42 publications in the peer-reviewed literature and a book chapter.

Selected Publications

Songsasen, N., A. Fickes, B.S. Pukazhenthi and D.E. Wildt. 2009. Follicular morphology, oocyte diameter and localization of fibroblast growth factors in the domestic dog ovary. Reprod. Dom. Anim. 44:65-70.

Jewgenow, K., K. Neubauer, S. Blottner, J. Schon, D.E. Wildt and B.S. Pukazhenthi. 2009. Reduced germ cell apoptosis during spermatogenesis in the teratospermic domestic cat. J. Androl. 30:460-468.

Comizzoli, P., D.E. Wildt and B.S. Pukazhenthi. 2009. In vitro compaction of germinal vesicle chromatin is beneficial to survival of vitrified cat oocytes. Reprod. Dom. Anim. 44:47-52.

Siriaroonrat, B., P. Comizzoli, N. Songsasen, S.L. Monfort, D.E. Wildt and B.S. Pukazhenthi. 2010. Oocyte quality and estradiol supplementation affect in vitro maturation success in the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Theriogenology  73:112-119.

Wildt, D.E., P. Comizzoli, B. Pukazhenthi and N. Songsasen. 2009. Lessons from biodiversity-the value of nontraditional species to advance reproductive science, conservation, and human health. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77:397-409.

Contact

Smithsonian's National Zoo
Conservation & Research Center
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008