Integrative Cardiovascular Laboratories

Mission

The Microcirculatory Core Laboratory's primary mission is to study regulation of cardiovascular resistance at the vascular level. Our experties contribute to the mission of the Consortium for Integrative Cardiovascular Research by providing a intermediate level of investigation between integrative (intact animal and whole organ) and vascular biology (isolated endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell) studies. Thus, next to our primary areas of investigation, we also share research interests with the rest of the Consortion for Integrative Cardiovascular Research.

Research Interests Overview

The Microcirculatory Core Laboratory specialises in isolated vascular preparations to study intrinsic regulation of vascular tone. We are interested in endothelial and smooth muscle cell function in health and disease. We predominantly study resistance vessels (arterioles and small arteries), since these are primary determinants of resistance in the cardiovascular circuit. We use disease models where resistance vascular function is altered, such as experimental models of hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular shock.

Regulatory Systems

• Heme oxygenase and carbon monoxide system
• L-arginine and nitric oxide system

Disease Models

• Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Hypertension (Salt-Sensitive and other)
• Hemorrhagic Shock

Investigators

The Microcirculatory Core Laboratory is under the direction of Fruzsina K. Johnson, MD, Assistant Professor of Physiology. Current staff consists of Blake K. Stevenson, Medical Student Researcher.

Location and Contact Information

The Microcirculatory Core Laboratory is located at the Cumberland Gap.