What is the major problem being addressed in this research program?

Our research is aimed at investigating the mechanisms that underlie the regulation of skin blood flow, particularly in response to hot environmental conditions and localized trauma to the skin.

What specific questions are being asked and how will they be answered?

It has been known for over 70 years that thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow in humans is accomplished by two separate branches of the sympathetic nervous system: a vasoconstrictor system, and an active vasodilator system. The active vasodilator system is also known to control sweating. However, it remains unclear how active vasodilation causes an increase in skin blood flow. These studies are designed to use state-of-the-art techniques to explore the neural mechanisms and molecular pathways by which active vasodilator occurs in the skin of humans.

What is the long-term biomedical significance of this work, particularly as it pertains to the cardiovascular area? What major therapeutic advances might it lead to?

The mechanisms underlying active cutaneous vasodilation in humans are not well understood. The ability to increase skin blood flow for temperature regulation is diminished with advanced age and in patients suffering from certain diseases, including hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes. This significantly raises the risk of heat-related illness and death in these groups. The knowledge gained in these studies could lead to further research to understand the changes in skin blood flow that occur in the elderly and in patients that lead to increased cardiovascular strain and risk during climactic heat waves.

What are some of the methods and techniques being used to address these questions?

Typical measurements in this project might include the following skin Blood flow (laser-Doppler flowmetry). 

                                                   This project is supported by a grant from: