Department of General physiology and human physiology and pathophysiology

Organisation profile:The research program at the department of Physiology & Pathophysiology aims to unravel the mechanisms of local control of blood vessel function by endothelial and parenchymatous cells in various vascular beds. One focus is directed towards control of brain perfusion, brain metabolism and blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport by normal and pathological signals from the neuropil. In particular, the local influence of astrocyte calcium signals on BBB function is investigated. Astrocytes and vascular cells amply express connexins and major efforts are directed towards unraveling the role of gap junctions and connexin hemichannels in controlling vessel diameter, nutrient passage and communication in-and-between vascular and parenchymatous cells. Another focus is directed to unravel the mechanism of action and functional importance of vasorelaxing factors released from endothelial cells, retinal tissue and perivascular nerve endings. The overall goal is to better understand matching of vessel function to the local needs of the perfused tissues.

Keywords:Fysiologie, Fysiopathologie

Disciplines:Physiology