Martha Longwell Blair, Ph.D.

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The goal of our research program is to understand the neural and neuroendocrine mechanisms by which blood pressure and body-fluid balance are regulated. We are particularly interested in those mechanisms that restore blood pressure and volume to appropriate levels when the cardiovascular system is challenged by conditions such as blood loss. Because anesthesia alters both sympathetic nervous system and neuroendocrine responses to cardiovascular signals, the majority of our current studies are performed in conscious, unrestrained rats with chronically indwelling vascular catheters.

Our primary research focus is on neural control of the renin-angiotensin system. Renin is a proteolytic enzyme which is secreted by the kidney and results in formation of the peptide hormone angiotensin. Renin secretion increases whenever blood pressure or blood volume decreases below normal levels. Angiotensin causes blood vessels to constrict, and has multiple additional actions which serve to elevate arterial blood pressure and defend blood volume. Our research employs physiological, pharmacological, and neuroanatomical techniques to evaluate the central nervous system and peripheral autonomic pathways that regulate renin release during cardiovascular challenges such as hemorrhage.

We have recently begun to investigate the effects of the female reproductive cycle in cardiovascular regulation. The majority of cardiovascular research has been performed in male subjects. However, recent evidence suggests that estrogen and progesterone may affect multiple facets of cardiovascular regulation. Our recent studies indicate that the ability to restore blood volume after a hemorrhage is significantly affected by the female reproductive cycle. This is an ongoing topic of research.

Current Appointments

• Associate Professor - Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (SMD)

Education
PhD Physiology & Psychology	University of Washington	1974
BA Psychology	Wellesley College	1969

Post-Doctoral Training & Residency
Neuroendocrinology (Postdoctoral Sponsor: Wm. F. Ganong), Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco	1974 - 1977

Recent Journal Articles
Showing the 5 most recent journal articles. (38 available)
Wojciechowski JC; Narasipura SD; Charles N; Mickelsen D; Rana K; Blair ML; King MR. "Capture and enrichment of CD34-positive haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from blood circulation using P-selectin in an implantable device." British journal of haematology. 2008; 140(6):673-81. Epub 2008 Jan 22.
Blair ML; Mickelsen D. "Plasma protein and blood volume restitution after hemorrhage in conscious pregnant and ovarian steroid-replaced rats." American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology. 2006; 290(2):R425-34. Epub 2005 Sep 15.
Blair ML; Mickelsen D. "Activation of lateral parabrachial nucleus neurons restores blood pressure and sympathetic vasomotor drive after hypotensive hemorrhage." American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology. 2006; 291(3):R742-50. Epub 2006 Mar 30.
Radke KJ; King KB; Blair ML; Fitzpatrick PG; Eldredge DH. "Hormonal responses to the 6-minute walk test in women and men with coronary heart disease: a pilot study." Heart & lung : the journal of critical care. 2005; 34(2):126-35.
Jaworski RL; Blair ML. "Lesions of the dorsal noradrenergic bundle augment the renin response to blood loss but do not alter hypothalamic Fos expression." Brain research bulletin. 2004; 63(6):451-9.