The candidate is trained in applied mechanics, physiology, systems analysis, and experimental and theoretical microcirculatory physiology. His immediate career goal is to establish a productive experimental and theoretical microcirculatory research laboratory at the University of Virginia. His long-term goals are to obtain a tenured position in a high-quality Biomedical Engineering department and to pursue research in biomechanics of microvascular function. An RCDA award would allow him to devote a substantial period of time to scientific work at a stage in his career when research funding is assured, but his time would be subject to increased teaching and administrative demands. The RCDA would thus allow productive use of available research funds, production of a body of significant work, and possible achievement of a tenured position. These goals are consistent with the institution's development plans, as Biomedical Engineering plans to establish a center for Cardiopulmonary Engineering, with basic research in organ transport phenomena as an emphasis. The specific objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that intravascular stresses, namely blood pressure and wall shear stress, play a role in determining the sites and magnitudes of vessel growth.
The specific aims are to measure the remodelling of the microvasculature in the gracilis muscle of the rat during normal maturation of WKY rats and during development of hypertension in SHR and to relate the observed remodelling to the hemodynamic stresses acting in the network. Application of this data in a network model will make it possible to test the hypothesis that the elevated resistance in spontaneous hypertension is an adaptation to changes in hemodynamic conditions, but is based on a common growth principle.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Modified Research Career Development Award (K04)
Project #
5K04HL002372-05
Application #
2209988
Study Section
Experimental Cardiovascular Sciences Study Section (ECS)
Project Start
1990-09-01
Project End
1995-08-31
Budget Start
1994-09-01
Budget End
1995-08-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Virginia
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
001910777
City
Charlottesville
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
22904
Van Gieson, Eric J; Murfee, Walter L; Skalak, Thomas C et al. (2003) Enhanced smooth muscle cell coverage of microvessels exposed to increased hemodynamic stresses in vivo. Circ Res 92:929-36
Van Gieson, E J; Skalak, T C (2001) Chronic vasodilation induces matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression during microvascular remodeling in rat skeletal muscle. Microcirculation 8:25-31
Kadambi, A; Skalak, T C (2000) Role of leukocytes and tissue-derived oxidants in short-term skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 278:H435-43
Zeller, P J; Skalak, T C (1998) Contribution of individual structural components in determining the zero-stress state in small arteries. J Vasc Res 35:8-17
Skalak, T C; Price, R J; Zeller, P J (1998) Where do new arterioles come from? Mechanical forces and microvessel adaptation. Microcirculation 5:91-4
Less, J R; Posner, M C; Skalak, T C et al. (1997) Geometric resistance and microvascular network architecture of human colorectal carcinoma. Microcirculation 4:25-33
Harris, A G; Skalak, T C (1996) Effects of leukocyte capillary plugging in skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury. Am J Physiol 271:H2653-60