Department: Anesthesiology

E-mail: Randall.Dull@hsc.utah.edu
Address: School of Medicine, Bldg 521, 3C444 SOM
Phone: 581-6393

Research Title: Molecular Mechanisms of Acute and Chronic Lung Injury

Description of Research:

My laboratory is interested in how mechanical forces influence lung vascular barrier function. Mechanical forces arise from changes in pulmonary blood flow, cardiac function (both systolic and diastolic fucntion) and from the alveolar compartment during mechanical ventilation.

We use cell culture models, isolated lungs and whole animal models to investigate how endothelial cells sense and transduce mechanical forces into an integrated signal that alters barrier function and leads to edema formation. Identifying the molecular basis of vascular \"mechano-transduction\" may aid in the development of treatments for congestive heart failure, ventilator-induced lung injury and neonatal lung injury (bronchopulmonary dysplasia).

Does this research involve human subjects or animals? No

If yes, what is the protocol number? Multiple approved IACUC protocols; specific protocol available upon request

10/2008