Our Research

Our Research

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center

The Gluck Center has received international recognition for its research dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the horse.

Our Research Areas

Aged Horse

Our research program currently encompasses the study of equine immunology and endocrinology in the areas of aging, obesity, endocrine diseases, laminitis and stress.

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Genetics & Genomics

This group examines genetic differences among horses, differences in gene expression between tissues, and changes in gene expression during disease and therapeutic interventions.

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Immunology

This group focuses on identifying protective immune responses to various infectious and parasitic diseases and developing methods to improve equine immune function.

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Infectious Diseases

This group is investigating viral (equine arteritis, equine influenza, equine infectious anemia, equine herpes, etc.) and bacterial (such as the causative agent of strangles) microorganisms.

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Musculoskeletal

The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscles that structurally support the body and enable physical movement – important for athletic careers.

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Parasitology

Our programs include a focus on the protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona, the cause of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), and a focus on helminth (worm) parasites of horses.

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Reproductive Health

Our scientists study environmental and biochemical factors affecting pregnancy in mares, including reproductive immunology, infertility and pregnancy loss in horses.

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Toxicology & Pharmacology

Our researchers study the medications, toxic compounds and problems associated with detection of performance-enhancing drugs.

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Contact Information

Brett Sponseller
Director, Gluck Equine Research Center

108A Gluck Equine Research Center 1400 Nicholasville Rd. Lexington, KY 40546-0215

(859) 257-4757

brett.sponseller@uky.edu