Catherine A . Opere, BPharm, MBA, PhD

Professor

Pharmacy

C Opere

Contact

School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Pharmacy
Pharmacy Faculty
Pharmacy Sciences
Graduate School
Pharmaceutical Sciences (Master of Science)
Faculty - Pharmacy, OT, PT
HLSB - Hixson Lied Science Building - 168

Catherine A . Opere, BPharm, MBA, PhD

Professor

Pharmacy

Research Focus

Oxidative stress (OS) is an underlying pathology in retinal neurodegenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma (Dreyer EB. J. Glaucoma. 7(1):62-67). These ocular retinopathies account for a large number of cases of blindness and visual impairment among the elderly in the US, warranting research into potential therapeutic options to prevent visual impairment (Vision Problems in the U.S. Prevalence of Adult Vision Impairment and Age-Related Eye Disease in America. Prevent Blindness America. http://www.visionproblemsus.org/introduction.html). My research focus is directed towards identifying the underlying mechanisms by which OS interacts with pharmacological receptors in ocular tissues, with the aim of revealing potential pharmacological targets that can be manipulated for therapeutic interventions. My specific areas of interests include studies on the regulation of uveal sympathetic and retinal excitatory neurotransmission by OS and OS-metabolites of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).  Other areas of study include the regulation of retinal ganglion cells and neural tissue survival by OS-PUFA metabolites; regulation of neurotransmitter release, intraocular pressure and aqueous humor dynamics by hydrogen sulfide donors; development of innovative, slow release hydrogen sulfide donor formulations that can achieve sustainable concentrations in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye for management of glaucoma and other retinopathies; identification and characterization of subtypes of prejunctional (autoreceptors and heteroreceptors) receptors in the mammalian anterior uvea and retina. Receptors of interest include those for glutamate, histamine, prostanoids and cannabinoids.
 

Department

Pharmacy Sciences

Position

Professor

Books

  • Handbook of Basic and Clinical Occular Pharmacology
    Njie-Mbye YF, Opere CA, McKoy M.Ocular autonomic & physiology. Handbook of Basic and Clinical Ocular Pharmacology. 2020
  • Obesity: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Prevention
    Opere, C. A., Ohia, S. E., Kulkarni, M., Njie-Mbye, Y. F. Role of Neurotransitters in obesity regulation, p. 113-124 2013
  • Elsevier
    Njie-Mbye YF, Barrett A, Kulkarni M, Opere CA, Ohia SE. Ocular Health. Bagchi D, Rahman I, eds. Inflammation, Advancing Age and Nutrition: Research, Science and Interventions, 1st ed. Elsevier. Imprint: Academic Press; ISBN: 9780123978035; 2013; http://store.elsevier.com/9780123978073.
    1st Ed. 2013
  • Phytochemicals for Obesity Treatment: Pathophysiology and Weight Management
    Ohia, S. E., Opere, C. A., Kulkarni, M., Njie-Mbye, Y. F. Role of Neurotransmitters in obesity regulation., p. 113-124 2012
  • Research Signpost Transworld Research Network
    Njie-Mbye YF, Anjanette F, Zhao M, Ohia SE, Opere CA. Oxidative stress in ocular tissues: pathophysiological and pharmacological implications. In: Catala A eds. Lipid peroxidation: biological implications. Research Signpost Transworld Research Network, 2011. 2011
  • Research Signpost Transworld Research Network
    Opere CA, Zhao M, Njie-Mbye YF, Ohia SE. Biological consequences of lipid peroxidation of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in ocular tissues: role of the isoprostanes and neuroprostanes. In: Catala A eds. Lipid peroxidation: biological implications. Research Signpost Transworld Research Network, 2011. ISBN: 978-81-7895-527-8. 2011

Articles

  • Pharmaceuticals
    Heruye SH, Maffofou Nkenyi LN, Singh NU, Yalzadeh D, Ngele KK, Njie-Mbye Y-F, Ohia SE, Opere CA. 2020.  Current Trends in the Pharmacology of Cataracts https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13010015 
    13(1), p. (15 pages) 2020
  • Pharmaceuticals
    Heruye SH, Maffofou N LN, Singh NU, Njie M YF, Ohia SE, Opere CA.Current trends in the pharmacotherapy of cataracts.13(1):15. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13010015 2020
  • AIMS Neuroscience
    Kulkarni-Chitnis M, Mitchell-Bush L, Belford R, Robinson J, Opere CA, Ohia SE, Mbye YFN. Interaction between hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide pathways in the bovine isolated retina. https://www.aimspress.com/article/10.3934/Neuroscience.2019.3.104 
    6(3), p. 104-115 2019
  • Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods
    Heruye S, Maffofou N LN, Singh NU, Munt D, Njie-Mbye YF, Ohia SE, Opere CA. Standardization of a new method for assessing the development of cataract in cultured bovine lenses. .  
    98, p. (7 pages) 2019
  • AAPS PharmSciTech
    Vora D, Kumari D, Heruye SH, Opere CA, Chauhan H. Preparation, Characterization and Anti-oxidant evaluation of Novel Polyphenol loaded Polymeric Solid-Lipid Nanoparticles for Cataract Treatment.
    20(163) 2019
  • Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Njie-Mbye YF, Robinson J, Mitchell-Bush L, Mckoy M, Opere CA, Ohia SE, Sharif N. Pharmacology of Serotonin Receptors Causing Contraction of Isolated Bovine Posterior Ciliary Arteries: Role in Ocular Blood Flow doi: 10.1089/jop.2017.0124. Epub 2018 Jan 25. PMID: 29369737 
    34(1-2), p. 134-140 2018
  • Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Ohia SE, Njie-Mbye YF, Robinson J, Mitchell L, Mckoy M, Opere CA, Sharif NA. Serotonin-2B/2C Receptors Mediate Bovine Ciliary Muscle Contraction: Role in Intraocular Pressure Regulation. Epub 2018 Jan 24. PMID:29364761 
    34(1-2), p. 70-75 2018
  • Neurochemical Research
    Bankhele P, Salvi A, Jamil J, Njie-Mby YF, Ohia SE, Opere CA. Comparative effect of hydrogen sulfide-releasing compounds on [3H]D-aspartate release from bovine isolated retinae. doi: 10.1007/s11064-018-2471-5. [Epub ahead of print] PMID:29353375 
    43(3), p. 692-701 2018
  • Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Opere CA, Heruye S, Njie-Mbye YF, Ohia SE, Sharif NA. Regulation of excitatory amino acid transmission in the retina: studies on neuroprotection. doi: 10.1089/jop.2017.0085. Epub 2017 Dec 21. PMID:29267132 
    34(1-2), p. 107-118 2017
  • Jounal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Ohia SE, Robinson J, Mitchell L, Ngele KK, Heruye SH, Opere CA, Njie-Mbye YF. Regulation of aqueous humor dynamics by hydrogen sulfide: potential role in glaucoma pharmacotherapy. doi: 10.1089/jop.2017.0077. Epub 2017 Dec 7. PMID:29215951 
    34(1-2), p. 61-69 2017
  • Jounal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Robinson J, Okoro E, Ezuedu C, Bush L, Opere CA, Ohia SE, Njie-Mbye YF. Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Compounds on Aqueous Humor Outflow Facility in Porcine Ocular Anterior Segments, Ex Vivo. doi: 10.1089/jop.2016.0037. PMID:28099049
    33(2), p. 91-97 2017
  • AAPS PharmSciTech
    Patil A, Singh S, Opere CA, Dash A. Sustained release delivery System of a slow hydrogen sulfide donor – GYY 4137 for potential application in glaucoma. DOI 10.1208/s12249-017-0712-6; 2017. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1208/s12249-017-0712-6 
    18 2017
  • Jounal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Salvi A, Bankhele P, Jamil JM, Kulkarni-Chitnis M, Njie-Mbye YF, Ohia SE, Opere CA. “Effect of hydrogen sulfide donors on intraocular pressure in rabbits”. doi: 10.1089/jop.2015.0144. PMID: 27092593 
    32(6), p. 371-375 2016
  • US Pharmacist
    Opere CA, O’Brien KK, Elhaj MH. Optic Neuritis: A brief review.
    41(1), p. 35-40 2016
  • Neurochemical Research
    Salvi A, Bankhele P, Jamil JM, Kulkarni-Chitnis M, Njie-Mbye YF, Ohia SE, Opere CA. “Pharmacological actions of hydrogen sulfide donors on sympathetic neurotransmission in the bovine anterior uvea, in vitro”. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 26700431. 
    41(5), p. 1020-1028 2015
  • US Pharmacist
    Bossou AR, Castillo S, O’Brien KK, Opere CA, Destache CJ. “Preventive HIV vaccines: Progress and challenges”.
    40(10), p. 46-50 2015
  • Experimental Eye Research
    Kulkarni-Chitnis, M., Njie-Mbye, Y. F., Mitchell, L., Robinson, J., Whiteman, M., Wood, M. E., Opere, C. A., Ohia, S. E. Inhibitory action of novel hydrogen sulfide donors on bovine isolated posterior ciliary arteries
    134, p. 73-79 2015
  • Neurochemical Research
    Jamil, J., Bankhele, P., Salvi, A., Mannix, J. E., Oger, C., Guy, A., Galano, J. M., Durand, T., Njie-Mbye, Y. F., Ohia, S. E., Opere, C. A. Role of the non-enzymatic metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid, 5-epi-5-F3t-isoprostane in the regulation of [(3)H]D-aspartate release in isolated bovine retina
    39, p. 2360-2369 2014
  • AAPS PharmSciTech
    Ali, H., Opere, C., Singh, S. In Vitro-Controlled Release Delivery System for Hydrogen Sulfide Donor
    15, p. 910-919 2014
  • Experimental Eye Research
    Chitnis, Madhura K., Njie-Mbye, Ya F., Opere, Catherine A., Wood, Mark E., Whiteman, Matthew, Ohia, Sunny E. Pharmacological actions of the slow release hydrogen sulfide donor GYY4137 on phenylephrine-induced tone in isolated bovine ciliary artery 2014
  • Frontiers in Physiology
    Ya, Fatou N., Kulkarni-Chitnis, Madhura, Opere, Catherine A., Barrett, Aaron, Ohia, Sunny E., Passi, Alberto, Gasull, Xavier Lipid peroxidation: pathophysiological and pharmacological implications in the eye
    4, p. 1-10 2013
  • Prostaglandins & other lipid mediators
    Galano, Jean-Marie, Mas, Emilie, Barden, Anne, Mori, Trevor A., Signorini, Cinzia, De Felice, Claudio, Barrett, Aaron, Opere, Catherine, Pinot, Edith, Schwedhelm, Edzard, Benndorf, Ralf, Roy, J?r?me, Le Guennec, Jean-Yves, Oger, Camille, Durand, Thierry Isoprostanes and Neuroprostanes: Total synthesis, biological activity and biomarkers of oxidative stress in humans
    107, p. 95-102 2013
  • Experimental Eye Research
    Njie-Mbye, Y. F., Kulkarni, M., Opere, C.A., Ohia, S. E. Mechanism of action of hydrogen sulfide on cyclic AMP formation in rat retinal pigment epithelial cells
    98, p. 16-22 2012
  • Frontiers in Physiology
    Njie-Mbye, Y. F., Opere, C. A., Ohia, S. E., Chitnis, M. Hydrogen sulfide: role in ion channel and transporter modulation in the eye
    3, p. 1-9 2012
  • Nitric Oxide
    Njie-Mbye, Ya F., Chitnis, Madhura, Opere, Catherine, Ohia, Sunny P41 Hydrogen sulfide: Endogenous production and regulatory role in ocular tissues
    27, p. S30 2012
  • U.S. Pharmacist
    Opere CA, O’Brien KK, Shea JL. “Understanding diabetic retinopathy.” US Pharmacist, April, 2011. Role: contribution to preparation of manuscript. 2011
  • Neurochemical Research
    Jamil, J., Wright, A., Harrison, N., Kegey, E., Flowers, A. F., Flyod, N. J., Kotera, C., Guy, A., Galano, J. M., Durand, T., Njie-Mbye, Y. F., Ohia, S. E., Opere, C. A. Regulation of [(3)H]D-Aspartate Release by the 5-F(2t)-Isoprostane and Its 5-Epimer in Isolated Bovine Retina
    37, p. 574-582 2011
  • Neurochemical Research
    Kulkarni, Madhura, Njie-Mbye, Ya, Okpobiri, Ikechukwu, Zhao, Min, Opere, Catherine A., Ohia, Sunny Endogenous Production of Hydrogen Sulfide in Isolated Bovine Eye
    36, p. 1540-1545 2011
  • Current eye research
    Ohia, Sunny E., Opere, Catherine A., Monjok, Emmanuel M., Kouamou, Ghislaine, Leday, Angela M., Njie-Mbye, Ya Role of Hydrogen Sulfide Production in Inhibitory Action of L-Cysteine on Isolated Porcine Irides
    35, p. 402-407 2010
  • Neurochemical Research
    Njie-Mbye, Ya, Bongmba, Odelia Y. N., Onyema, Chinwe C., Chitnis, Abhishek, Kulkarni, Madhura, Opere, Catherine A., LeDay, Angela M., Ohia, Sunny E. Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on Cyclic AMP Production in Isolated Bovine and Porcine Neural Retinae
    35, p. 487-494 2010
  • Elsevier
    Kotera C, Opere CA. Practolol. xPharm (On-line pharmacology information service of Elsevier), eds: F. Dowd, 2010; http://www.mdl.com/products/knowledge/xpharm/index.jsp. 2010
  • Elsevier
    Kotera C, Opere CA. Mannitol. xPharm (On-line pharmacology information service of Elsevier), eds: F. Dowd, 2010; http://www.mdl.com/products/knowledge/xpharm/index.jsp. 2010
  • Neurochemical Research
    Zhao, Min, Destache, Christopher J., Ohia, Sunny E., Opere, Catherine A. Role of Prostanoid Production and Receptors in the Regulation of Retinal Endogenous Amino Acid Neurotransmitters by 8-Isoprostaglandin E-2, Ex Vivo
    34, p. 2170-2180 2009
  • Neurochemical Research
    Monjok, E. M., Kulkarni, K. H., Njie, Y. F., Ohia, S. E., Opere, Catherine A. Regulation of [(3)h] d: -aspartate release from mammalian isolated retinae by hydrogen sulfide
    34, p. 1962-1968 2009
  • Neurochemical Research
    Kulkarni, Kaustubh H., Monjok, Emmanuel M., Zeyssig, Robert, Kouamou, Ghislaine, Bongmba, Odelia N., Opere, Catherine A., Njie, Ya F., Ohia, Sunny E. Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on Sympathetic Neurotransmission and Catecholamine Levels in Isolated Porcine Iris-Ciliary Body
    34, p. 400-406 2009
  • xPharm
    Opere, Catherine A. Aquaporin 2 2009
  • xPharm
    Opere, Catherine A. Aquaporin family 2009
  • Experimental Eye Research
    Monjok, Emmanuel M., Kulkarni, Kaustubh H., Kouamou, Ghislaine, Mckoy, Marshalyn, Opere, Catherine A., Bongmba, Odelia N., Njie, Ya F., Ohia, Sunny E. Inhibitory action of hydrogen sulfide on muscarinic receptor-induced contraction of isolated porcine irides
    87, p. 612-616 2008
  • Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology
    Opere, C. A., Ford, K., Zhao, M., Ohia, S. E. Regulation of neurotransmitter release from ocular tissues by isoprostanes
    30, p. 697-701 2008
  • Neurochemical Research
    Min Zhao, Opere, Catherine A. Prejunctional Inhibitory Effects of Isoprostanes on Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in Bovine Retinae, In vitro
    33, p. 37-42 2008
  • xPharm
    Opere, D., Opere, Catherine A. Aquaporin 1 2008
  • xPharm
    Opere, C. A. Procainamide 2007
  • Current eye research
    Opere, C. A., Zheng, W. D., Zhao, M., Lee, J. S., Kulkarni, K. H., Ohia, S. E. Inhibition of potassium- and ischemia-evoked [H-3] D-aspartate release from isolated bovine retina by cannabinoids
    31, p. 645-653 2006
  • Neurochemical Research
    Kulkarni, K. H., Opere, C. A., Leday, A. M., Shara, M. A., Ohia, S. E. Regulation of norepinephrine release from isolated bovine irides by histamine
    31, p. 891-897 2006
  • Mutation Research-Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis
    Ohia, S. E., Opere, C. A., LeDay, A. M. Pharmacological consequences of oxidative stress in ocular tissues
    579, p. 22-36 2005
  • Neurochemical Research
    Opere, C. A., Zheng, W. D., Huang, J. F., Adewale, A., Kruglet, M., Ohia, S. E. Dual effect of isoprostanes on the release of [H-3]D-aspartate from isolated bovine retinae: Role of arachidonic acid metabolites
    30, p. 129-137 2005
  • Current eye research
    LeDay, A. M., Kulkarni, K. H., Opere, C. A., Ohia, S. E. Arachidonic acid metabolites and peroxide-induced inhibition of [H-3]D-aspartate release from bovine isolated retinae
    28, p. 367-372 2004
  • Neurochemical Research
    LeDay, A. M., Awe, S. O., Kulkarni, K., Harris, L. C., Opere, C., Dash, A., Ohia, S. E. Effect of peroxides on [H-3]D-aspartate release from bovine isolated retinae
    29, p. 811-818 2004
  • Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Ohia, S. E., Awe, S. O., Opere, C. A., LeDay, A. M., Harris, L. C., Kulkarni, K., Sharif, N. A. Glucose-deprivation-induced [H-3]D-aspartate release from isolated bovine and human retinae
    19, p. 599-609 2003
  • Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Harris, L. C., Awe, S. O., Opere, C. A., Leday, A. M., Ohia, S. E., Sharif, N. A. Pharmacology of serotonin receptors modulating electrically-induced [H-3]-norepinephrine release from isolated mammalian iris-ciliary bodies
    18, p. 339-348 2002
  • Experimental Eye Research
    Harris, L. C., Olubusayo, S., Opere, C. A., Leday, A. M., Ohia, S. E., Sharif, N. A. [H-3]-serotonin release from bovine iris-ciliary body: Pharmacology of prejunctional serotonin (5-HT7) autoreceptors
    73, p. 59-67 2001
  • Free Radical Research
    Opere, C. A., Awe, S. O., Harris, L. C., LeDay, A. M., Ohia, S. E. Potentiation of sympathetic neurotransmission in bovine isolated irides by isoprostanes
    35, p. 257-264 2001
  • Current eye research
    Ohia, S. E., Awe, S. O., Opere, C. A., LeDay, A. M., Harris, L. C., Sharif, N. A. Hypoxia-induced [H-3]D-aspartate release from isolated bovine retina: modulation by calcium-channel blockers and glutamatergic agonists and antagonists
    23, p. 386-393 2001
  • Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
    Matutte, B., Awe, S. O., Ameh, F. A., Leday, A. M., Rice, J. C., Opere, C. A., Ohia, S. E. Role of catalase in pre- and postjunctional responses of mammalian irides to hydrogen peroxide
    16, p. 429-438 2000
  • Neurochemical Research
    Ohia, S. E., Opere, C. A., Awe, S. O., Adams, L., Sharif, N. A. Human, bovine, and rabbit retinal glutamate-induced [H-3]D-aspartate release: Role in excitotoxicity
    25, p. 853-860 2000
  • Neurochemical Research
    Graham, J., Awe, S. O., LeDay, A. M., Rice, J. C., Ramos, G., Harris, L. C., Opere, C. A., Ohia, S. E. Effect of inhibition of cyclooxygenase on pre- and postjunctional actions of peroxides in the iris-ciliary body
    25, p. 519-525 2000
  • Neurochemical Research
    Awe, S. O., Opere, C. A., Harris, L. C., Uketui, A. J., Ohia, S. E. Effect of isoprostanes on sympathetic neurotransmission in the human isolated iris-ciliary body
    25, p. 491-496 2000

Awards

  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2014 Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego, CA April 26 -30, 2014.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2013 Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) meeting in San Antonio, TX, October 3-6, 2013.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2013 Experimental Biology meeting in Boston, MA, April 20 -24, 2013.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2012 Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego, CA, April 21 -26, 2012.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2011 SACNAS meeting in San Jose, CA, Oct 27 - 30, 2011.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Summer Research Opportunity Award
    Summer Research Opportunity Award, Office of MARC and Professional Development Programs, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
    Office of MARC
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2011 Experimental Biology meeting in Washington D.C., April 9-13, 2011.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2010 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) meeting in Charlotte, NC November 10-13, 2010.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2010 SACNAS meeting in Anaheim, CA, September 30 - October 3, 2010.
    FASEB/MARC
  • Summer Research Opportunity Award
    Summer Research Opportunity Award, Office of MARC and Professional Development Programs, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
    Office of MARC
  • SPAHP Summer Research Award
    SPAHP Summer Research Award (with Pharm.D. Student, Finnegan Anjanette)
    SPAHP Summer Research Award
  • Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award
    Faculty/Student FASEB/MARC Travel Award to attend 2010 Experimental Biology Meeting in Anaheim, CA, April 24-28, 2010.
    FASEB/MARC