Michael Licatino joined the lab in the Spring of 2004. His project was designed to characterize the scalenus muscle of mice. He has determined the anatomical attachments of this muscle, as well as the density of staining of its component fibers for a number of enzymes, including SDH and NADH, which are markers of oxidative metabolism, and GPD, a glycolytic marker. He has also determined the fiber-type profile of this muscle, and all of these properties have demonstrated that this muscle has the ability to be a primary inspiratory muscle, but a definitive conclusion as to its role in the ventilation of mice awaits EMG analyses.
 

Michael presented the results of his research project at the 19th National Conference on Undergradate Research held at the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia on April 20 - 23 of 2005. He also presented his poster at Hendrix College's Honors Day on April 28th, 2005.