Developmental Respiratory Neurobiology
This laboratory is directed by Drs. Richard J. Martin and Musa A. Haxhiu. It is focused primarily on the biologic basis for apnea of prematurity and its management, employing state-of-the-art biologic tools and clinical trials for new ventilatory and pharmacologic clinical strategies.
An additional focus is on the neural development of airway function in health and disease, and the roles of lung and airway injury in the development of later respiratory morbidities, such as wheezing disorders in children born prematurely.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has recently engaged in a multicenter, clinical trial of nitric oxide inhalation to prevent neonatal lung injury, and the biologic studies in this lab have contributed greatly to the rationale behind this important clinical study.
Dr. Yao is characterizing the role of neurotrophins in the regulation of airway function employing neonatal animal models.
Dr. Miller’s research focus is on disorders of neonatal respiratory control in animal models, and the role of myelin on neural transmission. Dr. Wilson is studying astrocyte neuronal interactions in respiratory control, employing primarily in vitro brain slice techniques.
Dr. Abu Shaweesh is characterizing the neuroanatomic basis for inhibitory reflexes on respiratory control, while Drs. Baird and Nock study respiratory control in preterm infants in relation to neonatal apnea.