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Cheryl Heesch, PhD

  • Professor

Email: HeeschC@missouri.edu

Teaching: Pharmacology, Physiology

Research Interests:

Dr. Heesch’s research is focused on central nervous system regulation of blood pressure and efferent sympathetic nerve activity in both physiological and pathophysiological states, such as hypertension. A major emphasis in the laboratory is examining the role of neuromodulators such as nitric oxide and ovarian hormones (and metabolites) on plasticity of CNS regulation of the cardiovascular system.

During pregnancy ovarian hormones are elevated and previous work in the Heesch laboratory has demonstrated that CNS effects of the major metabolite of progesterone contribute to the attenuated sympathoexcitatory responses in pregnant animals. Understanding the mechanisms for attenuated sympathoexcitation in normal pregnancy, will contribute to determining mechanisms for elevations of arterial blood pressure in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, where sympathoexcitatory responses are exaggerated. 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 produced in the brain of both males and females and is the most potent endogenous positive modulator of central nervous system GABAA receptors. Since sympathoinhibition is produced centrally through activation of GABA receptors and since this compound does not produce endocrine effects like estrogen and progesterone, it could have important implications for the control of hypertensive disorders in males as well as females.

Experimental questions are addressed in whole animal physiology experiments, as well as cellular and molecular experiments. Commonly used techniques include: Measurement of hemodynamic parameters (ex./ heart rate & arterial blood pressure); recording of afferent and efferent nerve activity; and CNS microinjection of putative transmitters and modulators. Expression of receptors, transmitters, and enzymes of interest are evaluated in micropunches from brain tissue or in individual cells collected by laser capture microscopy.

Selected Publications:

Laiprasert, J.L., R.C. Rogers, C.M. Heesch. Neurosteroid modulation of arterial baroreflex sensitive neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat. Amer. J. Physiol., 274: R903-R911, 1998. [Abstract]

Foley, C.M., J.J. Stanton, E.M. Price, J.T. Cunningham, E.M. Hasser, and C.M. Heesch. GABA(A) alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptor subunit expression in rostral ventrolateral medulla in nonpregnant and pregnant rats. Brain Research 975: 196-206, 2003. [Abstract]

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. [Abstract]

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. [Abstract]

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. [Abstract]

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.[Abstract]

Graduate Studies in Biomedical Sciences

At the Department of Biomedical Sciences, investigators are engaged in research across a variety of fields, including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, exercise, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and reproductive physiology.

With world-class and award-winning researchers, our graduate program has a great deal to offer.

Find out more.

Faculty Spotlight

Xiangwei (Shaun) Du, PhD

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Contact

Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of Missouri-Columbia
E102 Veterinary Medical Building
1520 Rollins Street
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-7011
Fax: 573-884-6890

 

Administrative Contacts

Dr. Douglas Bowles
Department Chair

BowlesD@missouri.edu
573-882-7193

Dr. Kevin Cummings
Director of Graduate Studies
cummingske@missouri.edu
573-882-0283

Thomas Thompson
Business Manager

ThompsonT@missouri.edu
573-882-4503

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