Cheryl M. Heesch, PhD
Professor, Department of Biomedical SciencesOffice Location: 324C Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center
Office Phone: 573-882-2359
HeeschC@missouri.edu
Research Interests
Neurohumoral control of circulation
Research Description
Neurohumoral control of the circulation; Hypertension; Central nervous system effects of ovarian hormones and progesterone metabolites on cardiovascular regulation. Our laboratory's major focus is to understand how the central nervous system controls arterial blood pressure and how blood pressure is modulated in physiological and pathophysiological states. We evaluate basic mechanisms involved in central nervous system control of autonomic outputs, particularly in brainstem and forebrain regions which are critical for providing tonic drive to the sympathetic nervous system. We also study how ovarian hormones modulate these basic control mechanisms. Ongoing projects in the laboratory are focused on elucidating the role of central nervous system effects of ovarian hormones and progesterone metabolites in the alterations in control of sympathetic outflow associated with pregnancy. Once we understand the mechanisms for attenuated sympathoexcitation in normal pregnancy, it may be possible to determine the mechanisms for elevations of arterial blood pressure in hypertensive disorders, where sympathoexcitatory responses are exaggerated. Also, women are generally protected from heart disease and hypertension until the onset of menopause. Understanding the mechanisms for the protective role of ovarian hormones could have important implications for treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The possibility that a metabolite of progesterone, 3-alpha -OH-dihydroprogesterone, may play a major role in suppression of sympathoexcitatory responses is especially intriguing. 3-alpha -OH-dihydroprogesterone is the most potent endogenous positive modulator of central nervous system GABAA receptors and physiologically significant levels have been reported in the central nervous systems of both males and females. Both whole animal and molecular experimental approaches are used and include: 1) measurement of hemodynamics and sympathetic nerve activity; 2) CNS microinjection of putative transmitters and modulators; and 3) evaluation of neurotransmitter , neuromodulator, enzyme, and receptor expression in relevant brain regions using tissue micropunches or individually selected neurons (laser capture microscopy).
Professional Background
- Obtained PhD, University of Texas Health Science Center.
- Obtained BS, New Mexico State University.
Selected Publications
- Foley, C.M., J.J. Stanton, E.M. Price, J.T. Cunningham, E.M. Hasser, and C.M. Heesch. GABAA 1 and 2 receptor subunit expression in rostral ventrolateral medulla in nonpregnant and pregnant rats. Brain Research 975: 196-206, 2003.
- Foley, C.M., P.J. Mueller, E.M. Hasser and C.M. Heesch. Hindlimb Unloading and Female Gender Attenuate Baroreflex Mediated Sympathoexcitation. Amer. J. Physiol. (Regulatory, Integrative, & Comparative Physiol.), 289: R1440-7, 2005.
- Mueller, P.J., C.M. Foley, C.M. Heesch, J.T. Cunningham, Z. Hong, K.P. Patel, E.M. Hasser. Increased nitric oxide synthase activity and expression in the hypothalamus of hindlimb unloaded rats. Brain Research, 1115: 65-74, 2006.
- Heesch, C.M., J.D. Laiprasert, L. Kvochina. RVLM glycine receptors mediate GABAA and GABAB independent sympathoinhibition from CVLM in rats. Brain Research, 1125: 46-59, 2006.
- Kvochina, L, EM Hasser and CM Heesch. Pregnancy increases baroreflex independent GABAergic inhibition of the RVLM in rats. Amer. J. Physiol. (Regulatory, Integrative & Comparative Physiol.) 293: R2295 – 305, 2007.