The enzyme Biliverdin Reductase is utilized to aid in the breakdown of heme into bilirubin through the reduction of biliverdin. This is observed in both the yellow pigment in bruising and the jaundice coloring when liver failure occurs due to neurotoxicity. Prior studies have been restricted to rat and Guinea Pig organs. Throughout this experiment we examined enzyme activity of this enzyme in the bovine liver, kidney, spleen and brain then compared activity to that in mammalian species including porcine, bison, and rats. With a standard assay, the enzyme activity throughout the purification process was measured by observing the optimum of product (bilirubin) at 450 nm. The experimentation done on the fresh bovine liver was used as the standard for comparison due to previous experimentation done in this lab in the spring of 2010. Rats biliverdin activity was used to ensure results were comparable to previously designed experiments such as Kutty and Maines (J. Biol. Chem., 256, 3956–3963, 1981). This partial purification and comparative analysis allowed for a further understanding of the Biliverdin Reducatase throughout mammalians and its importance within various organs.

A cadaveric anatomical dissection was completed by five Westminster College undergraduate students with the objective to analyze anatomical abnormalities in order to compile a complete report of pathological findings. Abnormalities were identified through observation, histological preparation, and examination of aberrant tissues that may indicate possible health conditions at time of death. Preliminary pathological findings include enlargement of the thyroid gland (length=6.8 cm, width=4.6 cm), abnormal growth on the exterior surface of the superior vena cava (length=3.1 cm, width=1.6 cm), bronchopulmonary lymph nodes with anthracotic pigmentation, a papillary process present on the liver, numerous dense polyps on the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum, and uterine irregularities. Further histological analysis of the listed abnormalities was performed to identify the severity of disease(s) at the time of death. In addition to dissection, students documented personal experiences through journaling and participated in educational seminars to enhance their understanding and appreciation for human anatomy.Grant Funding Source: Westminster College