Profile

Contact Details

Email: peter.hurst@otago.ac.nz

University Links

Position: Senior Lecturer
Department: Department of Anatomy
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) (Leic) PhD (CNAA)
Research summary: Mammalian Reproductive Biology

Research

Reproductive biology is concerned with understanding the structural components and functional mechanisms that regulate fertility. Dr Hurst's research interests concern a number of topics that are being studied by postgraduate students in this Department. These projects require a range of technical skills to be applied to answer questions and address ideas that evolve.

A number of studies concern the ovaries in mice, sheep and humans. Experiments are designed to determine if primordial follicles are immune from cell death and explain why they can maintain the potential to grow for many years. The lab uses laser capture microdissection to selectively isolate individual follicles and also different cellular constituents of growing follicles. This allows individual genes to be studied in the different components of follicles.

PhD student Holly Douglas is investigating prolactin receptor and inhibitors of apoptosis in sheep follicles and Linda Gulliver (a recent PhD graduand) assessed changes to the ovarian surface epithelium as a consequence of estradiol treatments in mice.

A recent PhD graduand Anne O'Connell has studied uterine factors that are associated with varied pregnancy rates in sheep known to have high numbers of ovulation

Publications

O'Connell, A. R., McNatty, K. P., Hurst, P. R., Spencer, T. E., Bazer, F. W., Reader, K. L., … Juengel, J. L. (2016). Activin A and follistatin during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in ewes. Journal of Endocrinology, 228(3), 193-203. doi: 10.1530/joe-15-0367 Journal - Research Article

O'Connell, A. R., Hurst, P. R., Davis, G. H., McNatty, K. P., Taylor, S. L., & Juengel, J. L. (2013). An earlier rise in systemic progesterone and increased progesterone in the uterine vein during early pregnancy are associated with enhanced embryonic survival in the ewe. Theriogenology, 80, 269-274. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.04.006 Journal - Research Article

Gulliver, L., & Hurst, P. R. (2012). E-cadherin and estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta 1 protein expression differ between OSE and oviduct epithelium in older mice: Implications for origin of ovarian epithelial cancer? European Journal of Cancer, 48(Suppl. 5), (pp. S204). [Abstract] Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Gulliver, L. S. M., & Hurst, P. R. (2012). Repeat estradiol exposure differentially regulates protein expression patterns for estrogen receptor and E-cadherin in older mouse ovarian surface epithelium: Implications for replacement and adjuvant hormone therapies? Steroids, 77(6), 674-685. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.02.015 Journal - Research Article

Phillipps, H. R., & Hurst, P. R. (2012). XIAP: A potential determinant of ovarian follicular fate. Reproduction, 144, 165-176. doi: 10.1530/rep-12-0142 Journal - Research Article

2016

Journal - Research Article

2013

Journal - Research Article

2012

Journal - Research Article

Phillipps, H. R., & Hurst, P. R. (2012). XIAP: A potential determinant of ovarian follicular fate. Reproduction, 144, 165-176. doi: 10.1530/rep-12-0142

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

2011

Journal - Research Article

Phillipps, H. R., Kokay, I. C., Grattan, D. R., & Hurst, P. R. (2011). X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and active caspase-3 expression patterns in antral follicles in the sheep ovary. Reproduction, 142, 855-867. doi: 10.1530/rep-11-0177

Gulliver, L. S. M., & Hurst, P. R. (2011). Novel approaches to quantify estradiol-induced loss of ERβ1 protein in older mouse ovarian surface epithelium: New tools to assess the role of ER protein subtypes in predisposing to ovarian epithelial cancer? Hormones & Cancer, 2(4), 204-213. doi: 10.1007/s12672-011-0077-3

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Phillipps, H. R., Kokay, I. C., Grattan, D. R., & Hurst, P. R. (2011, August). Role of prolactin in follicular development during the sheep estrous cycle. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.

2010

Journal - Research Article

Conley, D., Hurst, P. R., & Stringer, M. D. (2010). An investigation of human jejunal and ileal arteries. Anatomical Science International, 85(1), 23-30. doi: 10.1007/s12565-009-0047-9

Journal - Research Other

McGrath, C., Nicholson, H., & Hurst, P. (2010). Branch blockade of the dorsal sacral rami [Letter to the editor]. Pain Medicine, 11(2), 281-282. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2009.00780.x

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Gulliver, L. S. M., & Hurst, P. R. (2010). Estrogen receptor protein: High resolution immunofluorescent profiling and quantitation in older mouse OSE. European Journal of Cancer Supplements. 8(5), (pp. 33). [Abstract]

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Gulliver, L., & Hurst, P. (2010, August-September). Immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis of older mouse ovarian surface epithelium during estradiol-induced hyperplasia. Poster session presented at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Queenstown, New Zealand.

2009

Journal - Research Article

McGrath, C., Nicholson, H., & Hurst, P. (2009). Le long ligament sacro-iliaque postérieur: étude histologique de ses rapports dans la région sacro-iliaque postérieure [The long posterior sacroiliac ligament: An histological study of morphological relations in the posterior sacroiliac region]. Revue du Rhumatisme, 76(1), 62-66. doi: 10.1016/j.rhum.2008.02.022

McGrath, C., Nicholson, H., & Hurst, P. (2009). The long posterior sacroiliac ligament: A histological study of morphological relations in the posterior sacroiliac region. Joint Bone Spine, 76(1), 57-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2008.02.015

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Douglas, H. R., Kokay, I. C., Grattan, D. R., & Hurst, P. R. (2009). Localization of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein mRNA in sheep ovary. Biology of Reproduction. 81(Suppl. 1), (pp. 527). [Abstract]

2008

Journal - Research Article

Herbison, A. E., Porteous, R., Pape, J.-R., Mora, J. M., & Hurst, P. R. (2008). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron requirements for puberty, ovulation, and fertility. Endocrinology, 149(2), 597-604. doi: 10.1210/en.2007-1139

2007

Journal - Research Article

Gould, M. L., Hurst, P. R., & Nicholson, H. D. (2007). The effects of oestrogen receptors α and β on testicular cell number and steroidogenesis in mice. Reproduction, 134, 271-279.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Barlow, P., Gould, M., Hurst, P., Mora, J., & Nicholson, H. (2007). High phytoestrogen diet causes Sertoli cell reduction between days 5-18 in the rat. New Zealand Medical Journal, 120(1255). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/120-1255/2574/content.pdf

2006

Journal - Research Article

Hurst, P. R., Mora, J. M., & Fenwick, M. A. (2006). Caspase-3, TUNEL and ultrastructural studies of small follicles in adult human ovarian biopsies. Human Reproduction, 21(8), 1974-1980.

Nicholson, H. D., Samalia, L., Gould, M., Hurst, P. R., & Woodroffe, M. (2006). A comparison of different embalming fluids on the quality of histological preservation in human cadavers. European Journal of Morphology, 42(4/5), 178-184.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Gulliver, L., & Hurst, P. (2006). In vivo response of the older mouse ovary to treatment with a depot estrogen. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Endocrinology Annual Meeting. NZSE. Retrieved from http://nzse.rsnz.org/NZSE%20Abstracts%202006.pdf

2005

Journal - Research Article

Tan, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2005). Location of inclusion cysts in mouse ovaries in relation to age, pregnancy, and total ovulation number: Implications for ovarian cancer? Journal of Pathology, 205, 483-490.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Quennell, J., Stanton, J.-A., & Hurst, P. (2005). FSH receptor expression in small human ovarian follicles. Human Fertility, 8(2), (pp. 111). doi: 10.1080/14647270500089494

Quennell, J. H., Stanton, J. L., & Hurst, P. R. (2005). FSH receptor expression in small human ovarian follicles. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 17(Suppl.), (pp. 88). [Abstract]

2004

Journal - Research Article

Sizemore, R. J., Hurst, P. R., & McLeod, B. J. (2004). Effect of steroid hormones on tissue remodelling and progesterone receptors in the uterus of seasonally anoestrous brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Reproduction, 127, 255-264.

Quennell, J. H., Stanton, J.-A. L., & Hurst, P. R. (2004). Basic fibroblast growth factor expression in isolated small human ovarian follicles. Molecular Human Reproduction, 10(9), 623-628.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Quennell, J., Stanton, J.-A., & Hurst, P. (2004). Basic fibroblast growth factor and small human ovarian follicle initiation. New Zealand Medical Journal, 117(1202). Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/117-1202/1086/

Fenwick, M. A., & Hurst, P. R. (2004). Caspase-3 expression in small ovarian follicles. Biology of Reproduction. Spec. Iss., (pp. 273). [Abstract]

Tan, O., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2004). Proliferation, steroid receptor immunoreactivity and location of serous inclusion cysts in mouse ovaries with relation to age, pregnancy and total lifetime ovulation number: Implications for ovarian cancer? Proceedings of the combined meeting of kConFab, Australian Ovarian Cancer Study & Family Cancer Clinics of Australia and New Zealand: Familial cancer research and practice. [Abstract]

2003

Journal - Research Article

Mahoney, P. M., Hurst, P. R., McLeod, B. J., McConnell, M. A., & Thompson, E. G. (2003). Effect of oestradiol treatment on mast cell populations and microflora in the vaginal cul-de-sac of seasonally anoestrous brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Reproduction, 125, 733-741.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Quennell, J., Stanton, J.-A., & Hurst, P. (2003). Basic fibroblast growth factor expression in human ovarian follicles. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 15(Suppl.), (pp. 24). [Abstract]

2002

Journal - Research Article

Fenwick, M. A., & Hurst, P. R. (2002). Immunohistochemical localization of active caspase-3 in the mouse ovary: growth and atresia of small follicles. Reproduction, 124, 659-665.

Mahoney, P. M., Hurst, P. R., McLeod, B., & McConnell, M. A. (2002). Quantification of mast cells and microflora in the vaginal cul-de-sac of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Reproduction, 124, 399-408.

Clow, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2002). Changes in the mouse ovarian surface epithelium with age and ovulation number. Molecular & Cellular Endocrinology, 191(1), 105-111. doi: 10.1016/s0303-7207(02)00061-8

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Hurst, P. R., Garry, P. G., & Bunn, S. J. (2002). Incorporation of BrdU into the ovarian surface epithelium in mature mouse ovary slices maintained in culture. Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society of Reproductive Biology. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 14, (pp. 64). Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. [Abstract]

Mahoney, P. M., Hurst, P. R., McLeod, B., & McConnell, M. A. (2002). Mast cell number and spatial location in the vaginal cul-de-sac of the brushtail possum after administration of exogenous oestradiol. Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society of Reproductive Biology. (pp. 90). Australia: CSIRO Publishing. [Abstract]

Tan, O., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2002). Androgen receptor expression in ovarian epithelium in mice of differing ages and total ovulation number. Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society of Reproductive Biology. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 14(Suppl.), (pp. 56). Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. [Abstract]

Fenwick, M. A., & Hurst, P. R. (2002). Effect of sub-bursal Fas antibody administration on folicular caspase-3 activation and ovarian volume. Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society for Reproductive Biology. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 14, (pp. 73). Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. [Abstract]

2001

Journal - Research Article

von Bültzingslöwen, I., Jontell, M., Hurst, P., Nannmark, U., & Kardos, T. (2001). 5-Fluorouracil induces autophagic degeneration in rat oral keratinocytes. Oral Oncology, 37, 537-544.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Clow, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2001). Expression of progesterone receptor in the ovarian surface epithelium of aged breeder mice. Serono Symposium on Regulation of Ovarian Function. (pp. 27). Wallaceville, New Zealand: AgResearch. [Abstract]

Clow, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2001). Androgen and progesterone receptor expression in ovarian surface epithelium of aged mice. In H. Brooks, P. A. Cragg & R. Olds (Eds.), New Zealand Medical Journal. 115, (pp. 114). Dunedin, New Zealand: University Print. [Abstract]

Mahoney, P. M., Hurst, P. R., & McLeod, B. (2001). Ultrastructure of mast cells in the clu-de-sac of the brushtail possum. Proceedings of the Society for Reproductive Biology. 32, (pp. 60). Australia: Society for Reproductive Biology. [Abstract]

Mahoney, P. M., Hurst, P. R., McLeod, B., & McConnell, M. A. (2001). Are mast cells important for reproductive function in the brushtail possum? Reproduction. 27(38), (pp. 18). United Kingdom: Society for Reproduction and Fertility. [Abstract]

Clow, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2001). Ovarian surface epithelium studies in the mouse: a comparsion of differing ages and total ovulation number. New Zealand Society of Endocrinology Conference. Abstract 8, (pp. 28). Wellington: Society of Endocrinology. [Abstract]

Fenwick, M. A., Fleming, J. S., & Hurst, P. R. (2001). Active caspase-3 identifies apoptosis in the mouse ovary but not in small follicles. Serono Symposium on Regulation of Ovarian Function. (pp. 22). Wallaceville: AgResearch. [Abstract]

Clow, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2001). Changes in the mouse ovarian surface epithelium with age and ovulation number. Serono Symposium on Regulation of Ovarian Function. (pp. 14). Wallaceville, New Zealand: AgResearch. [Abstract]

2000

Journal - Research Article

Fisher, M. W., McLeod, B. J., Heath, D. A., Lun, S., & Hurst, P. R. (2000). Role of ovarian failure in reproductive senescence in aged red deer (Cervus elaphus) hinds. Journal of Reproduction & Fertility, 120, 211-216.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Clow, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2000). Cell biology of mouse ovarian surface epithelium. Proceedings of the National NZ Postgraduate Conference. (pp. 23-29). [Abstract]

Clow, O. L., Hurst, P. R., & Fleming, J. S. (2000). Ovarian surface epithelium studies in the mouse. In C. L. Coulter (Ed.), Endocrine Society of Australia (Supplement). 43, (pp. 30). Adelaide, Australia: New Zealand Society of Endocrinology. [Abstract]

1999

Journal - Research Article

Hurst, P. R., & Palmay, R. D. (1999). Matrix metalloproteinases and their endogenous inhibitors during the implantation period in the rat uterus. Reproduction, Fertility & Development, 11, 395-402.

Crawford, J. L., McLeod, B. J., Thompson, E. G., Hurst, P. R., Colbourne, L. E., Lun, S., & Eckery, D. C. (1999). Plasma gonadotropin concentrations in the cyclic female brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). General & Comparative Endocrinology, 116, 73-80.

Crawford, J. L., McLeod, B. J., & Hurst, P. R. (1999). Cyclical changes in epithelial cells of the vaginal cul-de-sac of Brushtail Possums (Trichorurus vulpecula). Anatomical Record, 254, 307-321.

1998

Journal - Research Article

Crawford, J. L., McLeod, B. J., Thompson, E. G., & Hurst, P. R. (1998). Presence of males affects the incidence of ovulation after pouch young removal in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Animal Reproduction Science, 51, 45-55.

1997

Journal - Research Article

Crawford, J. L., Shackell, G. H., Thompson, E. G., McLeod, B. J., & Hurst, P. R. (1997). Preovulatory follicle development and ovulation in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) monitored by repeated laparoscopy. Journal of Reproduction & Fertility, 110(2), 361-370.

Hurst, P. R., Palmay, R. D., & Myers, D. B. (1997). Localization and synthesis of collagen types III and V during remodelling and decidualization in rat uterus. Reproduction, Fertility & Development, 9(4), 403-409.

1996

Journal - Research Article

Leeuwenberg, B. R., Hudson, N. L., Moore, L. G., Hurst, P. R., & Mc Natty, K. P. (1996). Peripheral and ovarian IGF-1 concentrations during the ovine oestrous cycle. Journal of Endocrinology, 148, 281-289.

Shackell, G. H., Norman, N. G., McLeod, B. J., & Hurst, P. R. (1996). A morphometric study of early ovarian development in pouch young of the brushtail possum (Trichosuras vulpecula). Anatomical Record, 246, 224-230.

1995

Journal - Research Article

Leeuwenberg, B. R., Hurst, P. R., & Mc Natty, K. P. (1995). Expression of IGF-1 mRNA in the ovine ovary. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 15, 251-258.