2008 Faculty Researchers

Vincent G. DeMarco, PhD

The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Pulmonary Hypertension

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Department

Child Health

Office Location

7W -12H (7th floor on the west side of hospital)

Phone #:

Office: (573) 884-7319
Fax: (573) 884-4277

Summary

The purpose of our studies is to more fully characterize the condition of pulmonary vascular disease and hypertension, and to develop therapies that decrease or prevent the adverse effects of pulmonary hypertension (changes to the arteries in the lungs that lead to abnormally high lung blood pressure). Disease progression is usually initiated by factors that injure the endothelial cells that line the walls of arteries. This can lead to abnormal vasoconstriction and a buildup of an excessive amount of smooth muscle and other supportive materials surrounding the small arteries and arterioles in the lungs. Partial or complete occlusion of the pulmonary arteries leads to progressive increases in pulmonary arterial pressure. The increase in pulmonary artery pressure causes the right ventricle to work harder to pump blood into the lungs. Eventually, the right ventricle fails leading to death.

Angiotensin-II is one of several vasoconstrictors that are elevated in the lungs of patients and animals with pulmonary hypertension. Little is known about the role of angiotensin-II in the development of pulmonary hypertension. Recently, our studies in rats have focused on characterizing changes in pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary oxidative stress, and pulmonary artery pressure in response to pharmacological compounds that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system. To do this requires that we examine histological samples of lung tissue for changes to the pulmonary vasculature, perform bench assays to quantify markers of oxidative stress, and conduct hemodynamic studies to measure pulmonary and systemic artery pressures. Student projects will be hypothesis driven and could involve some basic molecular biology (RNA extractions and transcript quantitation), basic protein chemistry (SDS-P AGE and western blotting) and light microscopy. These opportunities are available to medical students with an interest in gaining hands on experience in a basic science laboratory that focuses on cardiopulmonary disease. Previous experience working in a research laboratory is helpful, but not necessary. Interested students are encouraged to meet with Dr. DeMarco sometime in March or April to discuss specific options for summer projects.