RESEARCH FOCUS
Research in the Zahner Neurophysiology Laboratory focuses on neural regulation of blood pressure, energy balance and metabolic activity in healthy and diseased states. More specifically, we are focused on characterizing the autonomic activity of cells within the brain, the neurotransmitters, and the neural networks that differentially control reflex responses that people typically take for granted when they are working properly. Another part of our research focuses on disorders that are directly affected by obesity and disorders of the nervous system such as cardiac pain, sleep apnea, and hypertension.
To do this research our lab uses cutting-edge electrophysiological approaches, histological assessments, and microinjection of viruses that can manipulate the genetics and activity of specific types of neurons. In addition to these laboratory approaches we also use radio-telemetry technology and computational approaches to non-invasively record cardiovascular and metabolic activity. Projects are also being designed to determine the beneficial effects of neurostimulation to improve metabolic and cardiovascular activity.
FUNDING
2019 - 2022
NIH NHLBI 1R15HL147286-01; Identification of Central Neural Pathways Responsible for FGF21-induced Changes in Sympathetic Metabolic and Cardiovascular Activity. ($437,225).
2019 - 2022
NIH NHLBI R15HL145645-01 Characterizing the role of the Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus and Raphe Pallidus in the Cardiogenic Sympathetic Reflex. ($436,800)
2018 - 2019
ETSU RDC MAJOR Grants Program Obesity-induced Hypertension; Hormones of Obesity that Activate Metabolic and Cardiovascular Centers within the Brain ($10,000)
COURSES TAUGHT
Human Physiology
General Biology
Immunology
Laboratory on Neural Regulation of the Circulation
Mechanisms of Energy Balance
Human Neuroanatomy Lab