Research Interests

Ongoing research in my laboratory examines cellular and functional adaptations in the coronary circulation in response to coronary artery disease and exercise training. We are specifically interested in the adaptive responses of smooth muscle contraction, intracellular calcium and calcium sensitivity and endothelial cell nitric oxide availability, intracellular calcium and vasodilatory actions in the regulation of coronary artery function with disease and exercise. We are currently exploring adaptive responses in intact vessels and smooth muscle and endothelial cells using isometric tension studies, cannulated microvessel preparations, electrophysiology, fluorescence imaging, and biochemical and molecular techniques.