Robert M. Rapoport, Ph.D. Associate Professor Ph. D., UCLA 1980   Research

The focus of this laboratory is the regulation of  the cerebral vasculature, with an emphasis on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the vasospasm following 1) subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2) hypocapnia, and 3) cocaine.  Studies are geared towards investigations into the interplay between these perturbations and the cascade phenomena that are associated with the eventual constriction, including the pivotal roles of the endogenous release of the vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1, and the vasorelaxant, nitric oxide.  These phenomena are studied through angiographic, in situ cranial window and in vitro tissue bath techniques, using rabbit and rat models.  More recently, the mouse model is being developed to employ genetic manipulations that will further uncover mechanisms responsible for the spasms.

Publications