- Zoos: A Historical Perspective from Smithsonian Institution Libraries
The National Zoological Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
AZA
Budhan Pukazhenthi, DVM, Ph.D., Gamete
Biologist, Department of Reproductive Sciences
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 & Research Center in 1992 to pursue a Ph.D.
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 (the production of malformed sperm common in some species) and (2) understanding the mechanisms that dictate the successful cryopreservation of cells, especially carnivore spermatozoa.
He also is tackling some of the most difficult sperm-oocyte interaction challenges, including developing in vitro fertilization for the clouded leopard and Eld’s deer, two species that have resisted such success. His current research interests include determining the molecular basis of teratospermia (i.e., the production of many malformed spermatozoa) using microarray analyses and understanding the cryobiological properties of felid oocytes.
Pukazhenthi has been a strong advocate for the development of collaborative research and, as such, has an impressive array of partners, including at the National Institute of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and University of Maryland. Pukazhenthi also is actively involved in various range country studies with current emphasis on reproductive studies of cheetahs in Namibia.
This program involves the working with a non-governmental organization, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, to develop a genome resource bank (a frozen repository of biological materials) for the Namibian cheetah. This project also involves technology transfer to Namibian counterparts as well as spin-off projects involving other rare felid species including the lion and leopard.
Pukazhenthi actively participates in the activities of various species management organizations, including the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (of the IUCN-World Conservation Union), the Felid Taxon Advisory Group and various Species Survival Plans under the umbrella of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Pukazhenthi has 15 publications in the peer-reviewed literature and a book chapter.
Selected Publications
Hagedorn, M., S.L. Lance, D.M. Fonseca, F.W. Kleinhans, D. Artimov, R. Fleischer, A.T. Hoque, M.B. Hamilton and B.S. Pukazhenthi. 2002. Altering fish embryos with aquaporin-3: an essential step toward successful cryopreservation. Biology of Reproduction 67: 961-966.
Pukazhenthi, B., R. Spindler, D.E Wildt, L.M. Bush and J.G. Howard. 2002. Osmotic properties of spermatozoa from felids producing different proportions of pleiomorphisms: Influence of adding and removing cryoprotectant. Cryobiology 44: 288-298.
Axner, E., B.S. Pukazhenthi, D.E. Wildt, C. Linde-Forsberg and R.E. Spindler. 2002. Creatine phosphokinase in domestic cat epididymal spermatozoa. Molecular Reproduction and Development 62: 265-270.
Pukazhenthi, B.S., D.E. Wildt and J.G. Howard. 2001. The phenomenon and significance of teratospermia in felids. In: Advances in Reproduction in Dogs, Cats and Wildlife Carnivores, P.W. Concannon, G.C.W. England, W. Farstad, C. Linde-Forsberg, J.P. Verstegen and C. Doberska, eds., Journals of Reproduction and Fertility, Ltd., Colchester, pp. 423-433.
Pukazhenthi, B.S., E. Noiles, K. Pelican, A. Donoghue, D.E. Wildt and J.G. Howard. 2000. Osmotic effects on feline spermatozoa from normospermic versus teratospermic donors. Cryobiology 40: 39-150.
Contact
Smithsonian
National Zoological Park
Conservation & Research Center
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
