division of cardiovascular medicine

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
	contact	research focus
	Reginald Low Professor of Medicine Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Director, Davis 6 Cardiology Services Unit Clinical Director, Cardiology Services, UC Davis Medical Center M.D., University of California, Davis, 1975 4860 Y Street, Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817	Use of interventional devices Interventional cardiology
	Ezra A. Amsterdam Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Director, Inpatient Services Editor, Preventive Cardiology M.D., University of Rochester, 1962 4860 Y Street Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-3763	Management of acute ischemic syndromes Identification and management of low risk patients with chest pain (immediate treadmill testing, role of panic attack, GERD) Post-myocardial infarction risk stratification and management Primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies focus on the efficacy of contrast enhanced cardiac MRI to define abnormal perfusion in patients with ischemic heart disease and MRI of coronary blood flow and anatomy with intravenous adenosine.
	William J. Bommer Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Director, Noninvasive Services Director, Cardiology Fellowship Program M.D., State University of New York at Buffalo, 1972 4860 Y Street Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-3764	Computer simulation of intra-cardiac flow: Navier stokes equations Flow model testing to quantitate regutgitant and shunt flow forces momentum flux and kinetic energy Prosthetic valve fluid dynamics Intra-coronary artery imaging Guidewire pressure transducer measurements during angioplasty Quantification of association among conventional and hypothesized risk factors Color flow intravascular echo Contrast echo: myocardial perfusion Thrombolysis Drug delivery Stress echo
	Nipavan Chiamvimonvat Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Fellow, American Heart Association Staff Cardiologist, VA Mather, Sacramento, CA Editorial Board, Circulation Research M.D., University of Toronto, 1984 Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Genome & Biomedical Sciences Facility 451 East Health Sciences Drive Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 754-7158	The long-term research goals in our laboratory are to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We have concentrated our research efforts in studying the modulation of cardiac ion channels and the resultant electrical remodeling in cardiac hypertrophy and failure using animal models with cardiac hypertrophy and failure as well as transgenic mouse models. In addition, we have used gene targeting techniques to examine the in vivo and in vitro functions of specific calcium channel subtypes. Currently, we have three major projects in our laboratory: 1) structure-function analysis of voltage-gated sodium channel using the combined techniques of site-directed mutagenesis and heterologous expression 2) the study of cardiac ion channel modulations in transgenic mouse models, and 3) the study of isoform-specific function of calcium channel in atrial and ventricular myocytes. These studies will substantially expand our understanding of the specific functions of individual cardiac ion channels and how they coordinate to mediate functions in health and diseases.
	Kathryn Glatter Associate Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine M.D., Harvard Medical School, 1993 4860 Y Street, Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-8426	Risk stratification in the congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). Molecular analysis of ion channel mutations in the human. Sudden unexplained death syndrome (SUDS) in young Californians. Arrhythmias and conduction defects in muscular dystrophy patients. Use- and reverse-use dependence of Ibutilide in the human atrium and ventricle.
	Nobuko Hagiwara Assistant Professor Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Rowe Program in Human Genetics Ph.D., Molecular Biology, University of Tokyo Department of Biotechnology, 1995 M.S., Genetics, Ochanomizu Women's University, 1987 B.S., Biology, Ochanomizu Women's University, 1984 4446 Tupper Hall, One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 752-0389	My laboratory is interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of heart failure. We utilize a mouse model that exhibits neonatal onset cardiac and skeletal myopathy, heart block and sudden death. The gene disrupted in this mouse model is the transcription factor Sox6. We are investigating the role of the Sox6 gene and other genetic elements involved in development and progression of the myopathy and heart failure.
	Shawn Hayes Assistant Adjunct Professor Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Ph.D. UC Davis 2001 TB 172, One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 752-0718	1. The role of group III and group IV muscle afferents in the exaggerated sympathoexcitation of heart failure. The overall aim of the proposed experiments is to determine the role played by thin fiber muscle afferents in the exaggerated sympathoexcitation of heart failure (HF). Stimulation by exercise of these afferents has been shown to increase cardiovascular and ventilatory function via the sympathetic nervous system; these functions are exaggerated at rest and by exercise in HF patients. 2. The effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition on the discharge of group III and group IV muscle afferents during dynamic exercise in decerebrate cats. The goal of this project is to determine the role of prostaglandins in stimulating the afferents involved in the exercise pressor reflex in dynamically exercising cats. In this project I record from single afferents originating in the triceps surae muscles of decerebrate unanesthetized cats. These experiments are technically extremely difficult and the preparation is unique to this laboratory.
	C. Tissa Kappagoda Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation and CAD Reversal Program M.B.B.S., University of Ceylon, 1965 Ph.D., University of Leeds, U.K., 1972 F.R.C.P. (London and Edinburgh) " " TB 172, One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 754-9867	Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease by development of multidisciplinary programs or care for patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus. Effects of flavonoids on endothelial function. Neural regulation of the circulation in animal models of heart failure.
	Marc P. Kaufman Professor of Internal Medicine and Human Physiology Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Ph.D., University of Miami" " TB 172, One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 752-0718	The research performed in this laboratory has two major thrusts. The first is to investigate the discharge properties of the group III and IV muscle afferents whose stimulation by contraction is responsible for the exercise pressor reflex. There is substantial evidence that this reflex plays an important role in regulating the cardiovascular system during exercise in humans. The second research concern in this laboratory involves the neural mechanisms that control airway caliber during exercise. During exercise in humans, the airways are known to dilate, an effect which is blocked by atropine, but not by propranolol. The two mechanisms that most likely cause this exercise-induced bronchodilation are a reflex from the working muscle (i.e., the exercise pressor reflex) and central command, which is believed to be located in the subthalamic locomotor region.
	Anne A. Knowlton Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Staff Cardiologist, VA Mather, Sacramento, CA Editorial Board, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology M.D., Yale University, 1979 Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Genome & Biomedical Sciences Facility 451 East Health Sciences Drive Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 754-5461 cv	The research in our laboratory focuses in 4 areas related to the protective properties of heat shock proteins (HSPs), and a developing area of research on aging, estrogen and mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. These four areas of research are: 1. Mechanisms underlying the protective properties of HSP72 in the cell, with particular focus of localization of HSP72 to the nucleus with stress; 2. Role of HSP60 in apoptosis and heart failure; We are interested in whether HSPs in heart failure paradoxically have a detrimental effect on the heart mediated by the immune system and an inflammatory response. 3. Estrogen and the HSPs - regulation of expression of HSPs by estrogen in cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells. 4. Estrogen, Aging and the Cardiovascular System. We are interested in the interaction of aging and estrogen loss on the expression of HSP72 in the heart, and what impact this has on the response to ischemia. Our overall goal is to better understand cardiovascular injury in order to develop better treatments.
	Lawrence J. Laslett Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine M.D., University of Iowa, 1969 4860 Y Street, Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-3763	Nutritional effects on brachial artery dilation ability. Use of interventional devices.
	William R. Lewis Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Director, Exercise Testing Laboratory Director, Echocardiography Laboratory Director, Cardiology Consult service Director, Heart Failure Programs M.D., Duke University, 1985 4860 Y Street Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-3763 / 734-3764	Rapid management of chest pain patients. Endothelial function in perimenopausal women Aldosterone antagonism in heart failure patients with renal failure.
	Jason H. Rogers, M.D. Assistant Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine M.D., Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1995 4860 Y Street, Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-3764	I am an interventional cardiologist and director of the cardiovascular research unit at UCDMC. My research interests include the detection of vulnerable plaque by intravascular ultrasound, percutaneous modalities for the treatment of valvular heart disease and vascular medicine.
	Saul Schaefer Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Chief of Cardiology, Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Sacramento M.D., University of California, Davis, 1981 TB 172, One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 754-7867	Basic Research My laboratory is examining the regulation of ion transport in models of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Employing both fluorescent and NMR techniques, experiments use in-situ and isolated hearts and SR and mitochondrial preparations to examine regulation of sodium and calcium transport into the cytosol, SR and mitochondria. A central hypothesis is that interventions that limit mitochondrial calcium overload preserve myocyte viability and function. The interventions being studied include ischemic preconditioning, exposure to estrogen, and inhibition of the Na-H exchanger. Clinical Research Role of stress echocardiography and MRI in evaluating presence of myocardial ischemia.
	Charles Stebbins Professor of Medicine and Human Physiology Department of Internal Medicine: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Human Physiology Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1981 TB 172, One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 752-4714	Autonomic and peripheral vascular mechanisms underlying control of the cardiovascular system during exercise in health and cardiovascular disease in humans and animals. Emphasis on mechanisms underlying regulation of cardiac output, blood pressure, and vascular control.
	Richard J. Valente Associate Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Invasive Services M.D., University of California, Davis, 1983 4860 Y Street Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-3764	Use of interventional devices Interventional cardiology
	Amparo C. Villablanca, MD Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine Frances Lazda Endowed Chair in Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Founder and Director, Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program & Clinic Director, Hormones and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Mouse Biology Program, Center for Comparative Medicine Associate Director, Women's Center for Health Fellow, American Heart Association (FAHA) Council on Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Division of Cardiovascular Medicine TB 172, One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 754-9867	The primary research interest of my laboratory is the study of female sex steroid hormone regulation of the genetics and function of the vascular wall. The laboratory is currently focusing in identifying gene targets for estrogen action in the vasculature, understanding hormonal regulation of gene expression, and understanding genetic mechanisms regulating atherogenenis by female sex steroid hormones and estrogen receptors. Delineating inflammatory pathways regulated by sex steroids in atherosclerosis is also of interest, as well as dietary and phytoestrogen modulation of cardiovascular biomarkers in women. The scientific approach involves use of an array of cellular biology, molecular biology, and molecular genetics techniques including: Cell culture, PCR, RT-PCR, and Real time PCR, cloning and sequencing, genomics, gene microchip arrays, hormonal IRA and enzyme linked assays, morphometric, atheroma quantification and characterization, histology and immunohistochemistry. The laboratory is currently using murine animal models of atherogenesis with targeted gene deletions including ApoE and estrogen receptor knockouts.
	Charles Whitcomb Associate Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine M.D., University of California, Davis 860 Y Street Suite 2800 Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (916) 734-3763 / 734-3764	The focus of my clinical / instructional activities is on patient care, evaluation and management in both the clinical and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory settings. My specialty is cardiovascular disease and specifically non-invasive cardiology.