Studies in Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Forty-one% of deaths in US involve diseases of cardiovascular system (heart, blood, blood vessels).  Our lab projects focus on 3 areas concerning problems of system.  The goals in investigations seek to understand related pathophysiologic mechanisms and effective application of pharmacologic interventions.  The first project examines disturbances of heart rhythm (arrhythmias) and mechanism of sudden cardiac death (ventricular) in setting of ischemic heart disease.  Primary goal of project is to identify pharmacologic interventions that will reduce incidence or prevent development of lethal arrhythmias.  The second project is devoted to protection of ischemis myocardium. Tissue death occurs when heart muscle is deprived of blood and when blood flow is restored to an ischemic tissue (reperfusion injury).  Interested in understanding mechanisms of ischemic cell death and reperfusion injury.  Goal is to identify interventions that will protect heart muscle from injury or cell death.  A major effort is directed towards inhibition of complement system which appears to initiate response to injury.  Third project examines development of arterial thrombus (blood clots) formation in major blood vessels involving brain and heart. With major pharmaceutical companies developing drugs that alter blood clotting mechanism (anticoagulant) and/or result in removal of an established blood clot (thrombolysis). 

 

Student Tasks and Responsibilities: Students will participate in one or more projects and will function as part of a "team" effort.  The students will be expected to develop skills related to administration of anesthetics, performing related surgical techniques, monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.), record keeping and data analysis.  All laboratory personnel are expected to consult the scientific literature related to ongoing projects and to discuss relevant findings.