Research Lines

Endocrine Action on the Cardiovascular Physiopathology

Description

The Laboratory of Cell Biology and Functional Anatomy (LBCAF) studies the influence of humoral systems on cardiac function. Ang II is a potent vasopeptide that exerts its biological effects through AT1 and AT2 receptors. In the heart, Ang II induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibroblast hyperplasia, through TGF-?1 recruitment. Cardiomyocytes are the targets of thyroid hormones which modulate cardiac trophy. The group showed an interaction between both endocrine systems and some manifestations that disrupted this interaction may help to explain the variability of cardiovascular manifestations observed, for example, in hypo and hyperthyroidism. They have used in vivo and in vitro experimental models providing a suitable system to monitor changes in the structure and cardiovascular function induced by endocrine factors. Several methodologies have been employed and morphologic, morphometric, biochemical and functional parameters used to study molecular mechanisms associated to cardiovascular biology.