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Related Research Areas: Fetal Programming of Hypertension, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight and Hypertension. |
Research Interests: Numerous epidemiological studies report an association between birth weight and blood pressure suggesting that fetal programming occurs in response to an adverse fetal environment and results in permanent adaptive responses leading to structural and physiological alterations and the subsequent risk for development of adult cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Within the United States, a higher percentage of low birth weight (LBW) babies are born relative to other Western countries with the highest rates of LBW localized in the Southern states and in particular, within the African American population. Higher rates of hypertension are also concentrated in the South with a greater prevalence of hypertension within the African-American population. Since LBW within the Western world is more likely the result of impaired uteroplacental perfusion rather than maternal malnutrition, our laboratory uses a model of placental insufficiency to induce LBW in the rat and investigate the mechanisms linking LBW and hypertension. Thus, findings from our studies may implicate preventative interventions in the health care of LBW individuals that may prevent development of cardiovascular/renal disease. |
Research Methods: Acute and chronic measurements of arterial pressure and renal hemodynamics in rodents. |
