Richard D. Wainford, PhD

My major research interest(s) lie in understanding the integrative physiological mechanisms underlying disease states and developing the appropriate pharmacological treatment.  I have been working in this area since my doctoral studies during which time I investigated the mechanisms resulting in the development of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity under the guidance of Dr Hawksworth at the University of Aberdeen in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics.  I continued my training at the LSU Health Sciences Center under the guidance of Dr Kapusta investigating the endogenous role(s) of the opioid-like peptide nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) in the regulation of systemic cardiovascular hemodynamics and renal excretory function. My current research focus is directed at understanding the central neural mechanisms involved in the regulation of blood pressure using an integrated translational approach employing in-vivo whole animal physiological studies and molecular biology techniques to examine protein expression and receptor function. In particular I am investigating the role(s) of central adrenoceptors and their downstream Gα-protein signaling pathways in salt-sensitive hypertension.