Chao-Yin Chen, Ph.D.

Research/Academic Interests

Chao-Yin Chen's research interests include central neuroplasticity in cardiovascular regulation.

Synopsis: Blood pressure and heart rate are regulated by CNS on a moment-to-moment bases. Depending on the interaction between the genetic and environmental factors, the CNS regulatory output can result in either a normal or a pathological outcome.

My research focuses on central regulation of cardiovascular function and how this regulation is altered in response to environmental factors such as exercise, stress, exposure to air pollution, hypertension, and obesity. We are particularly interested in how the neurons in the baroreflex pathways change their intrinsic and/or synaptic properties as well as the neurotransmitter/neuromodulator and the receptors involved in the altered regulatory output.

Studies are carried out in two major brainstem nuclei: the first central site that receives and integrates sensory information (Nucleus Tractus Solitarii) and the final output for cardiac parasympathetic motor nerves (Nucleus Ambiguus).

Recent/Current Research Funding:

National Institutes of Health
UC Presidents' Undergraduate Fellowship

Division

Pharmacology