Dr. Mark A. Creager is studying the regulation of blood flow in humans. Specifically, he and colleagues are examining the relationship between endothelial-derived vasoactive substances and blood flow abnormalities in patients with atherosclerosis risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and hypertension as well as in patients with congestive heart failure. These studies employ ultrasonographic and plethysmographic techniques to evaluate vascular reactivity in vivo. Studies in progress to elicit mechanisms responsible for vasomotor dysfunction and to evaluate effects of therapeutic interventions on vascular reactivity in these disease states.
Nitric oxide regulates basal systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance in healthy humans.