Research in this laboratory focuses on the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on the cardiovascular, metabolic and immune consequences of acute traumatic injury and hemorrhagic shock. In addition, recent projects have begun investigating the interaction of alcohol and drug abuse on the behavioral, metabolic, and immune consequences of HIV/AIDS. Currently, work in the laboratory is funded by NIAAA, NIDA, DOD, and the Board of Regents of Louisiana.
My research focuses on the impact of alcohol intoxication on the neuroendocrine response to hemorrhage. Using a rodent model of binge-like alcohol abuse, I am examining the impact of acute (15hr) alcohol intoxication on circulating blood volume, urine output, neurohypophyseal stores of arginine vasopressin and the vascular responsiveness to vasopressors following hemorrhagic shock.
My research focus is in utilizing the rhesus macaque model of SIV to examine the effects of chronic marijuana on disease progression and the metabolic changes associated with the cachexia that presents in end stage AIDS. The project builds on earlier data gathered in the lab using the simian model of AIDS in connection with chronic alcohol consumption.
My research focus is on the secondary outcomes following hemorrhagic shock in acute alcohol intoxication. Specifically, I am interested in whether restortation of MABP via restoration of neuroendocrine mediators has the potential to improve the response to inflammatory and infectious challanges and decrease organ dysfunction.