Human Physiology Core Laboratory

The Physiology Core (Core B) will support the two human projects that are part of this PPG and will provide state-of-the art technical and participant safety support for the planned studies. This will include {nursing support as well as} salary support for individuals with the technical expertise to conduct the necessary hemodynamic, sympathetic nerve activity (microneurography), and ultrasound-based blood flow measurements in various target tissues (skeletal muscle, renal and coronary circulations). In addition, this Core will provide assistance with conducting invasive pharmacological probes (systemic and regional drug infusions), and for processing of biochemical analyses. {The Physiology Core will also provide the investigators assistance with recruitment, screening and selection of appropriate research participants, central tracking, coordination and scheduling of support personnel and equipment, oversight and monitoring of safety procedures during and following the studies, as well as reporting of adverse events. For clinical safety issues, staff will report to Dr. Leuenberger (Core B Director) who in conjunction with Dr. Boehmer will provide physician oversight of all studies. In our present PPG we have used a similar approach and have found it to greatly facilitate safe and successful completion of a number of complex study protocols.} By coordinating the support functions for all human subprojects of the PPG, by leveraging existing resources in the GCRC, and by facilitating methodological innovation in a collaborative approach, the Core will be able to function in a highly cost effective manner, and will standardize protocols, improve techniques, and thereby ensure optimal data quality and safety of research participants.