Cecily Bishop, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences at ONPRC.  Her research at ONPRC aims to investigate the incompletely understood molecular pathways associated with normal and pathologic ovarian and uterine angiogenesis in primates. 

The mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) is responsible for reorganizing the ovulatory follicle into a corpus luteum (CL), which produces the progesterone necessary for embryo implantation. As part of the structural and cellular changes that happen after ovulation, a wave of neovascularization occurs, forming a CL with a network of highly permeable capillaries. In turn, this newly formed vasculature allows for the significant levels of progesterone produced by the CL to enter the circulation and support implantation/ pregnancy. Abnormal angiogenesis is associated with several reproductive disorders, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which occurs during assisted reproductive therapies and endometriosis.   

Techniques used to interrogate mediators of ovarian and uterine angiogenesis range from molecular (i.e. gene product expression and shRNA-knockdown of select gene targets) to contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) of reproductive tissue blood flow, volume, and permeability. Notably, she reported on the effects of intraovarian shRNA-knockdown of classical progesterone receptors during luteal formation in macaques. 

Dr. Bishop also leverages CEUS and similar, noninvasive 3D/4D ultrasound technology to assist studies of other novel genes involved in folliculogenesis, evaluate ovarian tissue engraftment following cryopreservation, and the role of the steroid hormone progesterone in normal ovarian function. Finally, she was also part of studies into the role of androgens and diet in a nonhuman primate model of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) funded by a NICHD National Center for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility (NCTRI) grant. Dr. Bishop performs additional research into other animal models relevant to human health as part of her research program at Oregon State University.