A.B., Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 1962
Ph.D., Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 1967

brd@virginia.edu

Research Interests

Our interests focus on cell-cell communication in the vessel wall, especially the chemical, electrical, and mechanical processes which lead to coordinated function of endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

We are also interested in local control of blood flow and the ways in which tissue metabolites match cellular metabolic needs and vascular function. This interest leads to a set of investigations designed to elucidate the factors that determine the distribution of red cells in capillaries. In order to study these problems, we use a variety of optical, electrical, and immunohistological approaches, including intracellular recording, fluorescent dye measurement of calcium, and membrane potential studies, both in vitro and in vivo. Techniques we use include intravital microscopy; cannulated microvessel PO2 measurements; Ca++ and voltage-sensitive dyes; and capillary rheology.

Recent Publications

Duling BR
Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen Award lecture. Mentoring: a fun collaborative activity.

Isakson BE, Best AK, Duling BR
Incidence of protein on actin bridges between endothelium and smooth muscle in arterioles demonstrates heterogeneous connexin expression and phosphorylation.

Liao Y, Regan CP, Manabe I, Owens GK, Day KH, Damon DN, Duling BR
Smooth muscle-targeted knockout of connexin43 enhances neointimal formation in response to vascular injury.

Isakson BE, Ramos SI, Duling BR
Ca2+ and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated signaling across the myoendothelial junction.

Isakson BE, Kronke G, Kadl A, Leitinger N, Duling BR
Oxidized phospholipids alter vascular connexin expression, phosphorylation, and heterocellular communication.

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