Projects | CPLEAP

Respiration

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The sensitivity of the respiratory control system can dictate human success in the high altitude environment and can contribute to disease. Our research focuses on how respiratory chemoreception impacts breathing stability at altitude and how simulated sleep apnea influences respiratory control. We are currently developing a novel approach to better understand the redistribution of blood flow to the muscles of respiration during increases in respiratory work.

Circulation

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The cardiovascular system is highly responsive to respiratory and autonomic nervous system reflexes. Our research focuses on regulatory mechanisms including pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia. Recent work addresses how the coronary circulation responds to a combination of chemoreflex and metaboreflex activation. Additionally, our studies of simulated sleep apnea determine the influence of intermittent hypoxia on cardiovascular control.

Autonomic Nervous System

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Sympathetic overactivity is a hallmark of many chronic diseases including sleep apnea and heart failure. Our studies of simulated sleep apnea determine the influence of intermittent hypoxia on sympathetic overactivity. The effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia on sympathetic recruitment and the transduction of a sympathetic signal into a cardiovascular response is an area we are currently focused on.