Objectives

The Reno-Vascular Research Laboratory focuses on development and application of basic science techniques to study renal and cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology in both animal models and in humans. The specific areas of interest include renovascular disease, ischemia, the renal and myocardial microcirculation and exposure cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. The laboratory is involved in short-term and long-term studies to explore mechanisms of renal and cardiac injury and adaptation (including oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, vascular injury and angiogenesis) and potential therapeutic targets.

The research tools include sophisticated, high resolution, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques and computer-based modeling and image analysis. Disease mechanisms are subsequently investigated using molecular biology and cell culture techniques, and potential therapeutic targets identified using novel interventions including drugs, revascularization and progenitor cell delivery and research.