Chao-Yin Chen

Associate Adjunct Professor Ph.D., Kent State University, 1996 Office Phone: (530) 754-6458 E-mail:  cych@ucdavis.edu

Research Interest:
Central neuroplasticity in cardiovascular regulation

Research Synopsis:
Blood pressure and heart rate are regulated by CNS on a moment-to-moment bases. The CNS neurons can undergo neuroplasticity with prolonged changes in synaptic inputs. Persistent changes in the CNS networks in the cardiovascular pathways may become particularly important in diseases or treatment of diseases whereby the synaptic inputs are altered. Our research focuses on central neuroplasticity in two related areas: 1) blood pressure lowering effect of exercise in hypertensive subjects and 2) environmental pollution-induced dysfunction in heart rate regulation including: particular matter, environmental tobacco smoke, allergen and ozone. We are interested in how the neurons in the baroreflex pathways change their intrinsic and/or synaptic properties using electrophysiological techniques as well as the changes in gene expression with gene profiling. We seek to link the molecular events to functional neuronal behavioral events underlying the exercise- and pollutants-induced CNS neuroplasticity.

Liu, Z., C-Y. Chen, and A. C. Bonham. (2000)  Frequency limits an aortic baroreceptor input to nucleus tractus solitarii.  Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. Feb;278(2): H577-85.  Abstract.

Bonham A.C., C-Y. Chen, T. Mutoh, and J.P. Joad. (2001) C-fiber CNS reflex: role in the respiratory consequences of chronic environmental tobacco smoke exposure in young guinea pigs. Environmental Health Perspectives 109(Supp 4): 573-578.  Abstract.

Chen, C-Y., A. C. Bonham, E. S. Schelegle, L. J. Gershwin, C. G. Plopper, and J. P. Joad.  (2001) Allergen exposure in asthmatic monkeys induces neuroplasticity in nucleus tractus solitarius. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 108(4): 557-562, 2001.  Abstract.

2002 Chen, C-Y., E-H. Ling, J. M. Horowitz and A. C. Bonham. Synaptic transmission in nucleus tractus solitarius is depressed by Group II and III but not Group I presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors in rats. J. Physiol. 538.3: 773-786.  Abstract.

Kajekar, R., C-Y. Chen, T. Mutoh, and A. C. Bonham. (2002) GABAA receptor activation at medullary sympathetic neurons contributes to post-exercise hypotension. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 282:H1615-H1624.  Abstract.

Bonham, A. C. and C-Y. Chen. (2002) Glutamatergic neural transmission in the NTS: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. & Physiol. 29 (5-6): 497-502.  Abstract.

Chen, C-Y., P. A. Munch, A. W. Quail, and A. C. Bonham. (2002) Post-exercise hypotension in conscious SHR is attenuated by blockade of substance P receptors in nucleus tractus solitarius. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 283(5):H1856-H1862.  Abstract.

Chen, C-Y., A. C. Bonham, C. G. Plopper, J. P. Joad. (2003) Neuroplasticity in nucleus tractus solitarius following episodic ozone exposure in infant primates. J. Appl. Physiol. 94(2):819-827.  Abstract.

Joad JP, Munch PA, Bric JM, Evans SJ, Pinkerton KE, Chen,  C-Y., Bonham A. C. (2004)  Passive smoke effects on cough and airways in young guinea pigs: role of brainstem substance P. Am J Respir Crit Care Med.  Feb 15;169(4):499-504.  Abstract.

Chen, C-Y. and Bonham, A. C.  (2005)  Glutamate suppresses GABA release via presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors at barareceptor neurones in rats.  J. Physiol. 562(Pt2):535-551.  Abstract.

Beeton, C., Pennington, M. W., Wulff, H., Singh, S., Nugent, D., Crossley, G., Khaytin, I., Calabresi, P.A., Chen, C-Y. Gutman, G. A., Chandy, K. G.  (2005)  Targeting effector memory T cells with a selective peptide inhibitor of Kv1.3 channels for therapy of autoimmune diseases.  Mol. Pharmacol. 67(4):1369-81.  Abstract.

Bonham, A. C. and C-Y. Chen.  (2005)  Synaptic transmission in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS).  In: Advances in vagal afferent neurobiology.  Frontiers in Neuroscience Series, CRC Press.

Bonham, A. C., Chen, C-Y., Sekizawa,  S., Joad, J. P.  (2006) Plasticity in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and its influence on lung and airway reflexes.  J. Appl. Physiol. 101(1)322-7.  Abstract.

Bonham, A. C., S. I. Sekizawa, C-Y. Chen, J. P. Joad.  (2006) Plasticity of brainstem mechanisms of cough.  Respir. Physiol. Neurobiol. 152(3):312-9.  Abstract.