Abstract of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School
 of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the
 Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science

 EXPRESSION OF IGF-1 (INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1) RECEPTOR ON
 GINGIVAL TISSUE SAMPLES IN DIABETIC PATIENTS AND CONTROLS


 By

 Matthew Rudolph

 May 2004

Chair: Herbert J. Towle
Major Department: Periodontics

 The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the expression of Insulin-Like

Growth Factor-i Receptor (IGF-1) in gingival tissue samples of self reported diabetic

patients versus controls. The thesis proposed is that there is an up-regulation of the IGF-1

receptor in the gingival tissues of diabetics versus controls. Previous investigations have

shown the up-regulation of IGF-1 receptor is associated in the pathogenesis of diabetes.

Until this study, nobody has examined gingival tissues for these receptors and up-

regulation.

 Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia

resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The chronic

hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure

of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and the oral

cavity. Patients suffer delayed wound healing and increased risk for infections. People

with diabetes are also more likely to have periodontal disease than non-diabetics because