The major efforts in our laboratory center about investigations dealing with those factors that cause hypertension. We are particularly interested in the hormonal aspects of the control of salt and water balance, i.e. the control systems for renin, antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide. Studies involve experiments in which biologically active peptides and their inhibitors are infused intravenously or into the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain in order to discover what their central actions are.
Secondary efforts deal with problems in comparative physiology.
Animals as diverse as fish and cetacea are faced with similar environments, but meet that challenge with different physiologic responses. Understanding the nature of some of those differences, and how they changed during the course of evolutionary history is a goal of our laboratory. Chen, M, J Lee, and RL Malvin. Central administration of aldosterone increases blood pressure in rats. Malvin, RL, M Chen and MC Lloyd.