Research is directed toward determining the effects of stress on target organs.
Stress is considered alone and in combination with known toxic chemicals.
Particular emphasis is placed on the nervous system, although other target organ systems are considered. Intact laboratory animals and animals with pathologic conditions, such as hypertension, obesity, or Parkinsonism are used as models. Under study are the mechanisms by which stress and the physiological changes associated with it may alter the processes responsible for toxicant-induced damage. Of particular interest are chemicals known to affect those organ systems that are important in the response to stress. Target organ system damage is monitored with biochemical, morphological, and functional indices.