David Mendelowitz, PhD

Professor
Primary Department
Pharmacology & Physiology
Affiliation
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Research Interests

Research focuses on the autonomic and respiratory control of cardiovascular function in both normal physiological homeostasis as well as alterations that initiate and/or sustain cardiorespiratory diseases. His work seeks to identify targets in the autonomic nervous system control of cardiac function that can reduce and/or prevent highly prevalent and devastating cardiovascular diseases, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and heart failure. In particular the lab studies the cellular properties, neuronal network and in-vivo reflex control of pre-motor parasympathetic cardio-inhibitory vagal neurons located in the brainstem that generate parasympathetic activity to the heart.

Keywords

Sudden Infant Death, Oxytocin, Optogenetics, Polysomnography, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, Autonomic Nervous System, Hypertension, Brain Stem, Cardiovascular Diseases, Homeostasis, Neurology, Pharmacology & Physiology

Research Level
T2: Translation to Patients
Research Method(s)
  • Examine activation of
  • oxytocin neurons in prevention of hypertension
  • Analyze data on heart rate changes during apnea from sleep studies
  • In vivo and in vitro
  • Telemetry recordings of blood pressure and heart rate while selectively altering the activity of specific neuronal targets
  • Optogenetic approaches