FACULTY LIST
 David R. Harder, Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Cardiovascular Research Center
Phone: (414) 456-5611
Email: dharder@mcw.edu
M.S. Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 1975
Ph.D. Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 1976
Our research interests are centered around characterization of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of muscle cell contraction, particularly arteriole muscle, and the modification of these mechanisms by endothelial factors, neurotransmitters, and endogenous vasoactive agents. We use intracellular electrophysiological recording from muscle cells within intact arterial segments utilizing standard glass microelectrodes to study these phenomena. Cultured vascular muscle and endothelial cells are studied by voltage and patch-clamp techniques for analysis of ionic events.
"Vascular Signaling by Free Radicals" is one of our group's initiatives. Free radicals are highly reactive agents produced in normal biological processes through the body's use of oxygen. This vascular biology initiative is analyzing how free radicals induce cell death within vessels, and how they modify normal vascular function. Another initiative focuses on the mechanisms controlling cerebral circulation and disease states such as stroke and neuronal damage found in Alzheimer's disease. Two clinical trials underway in the Cardiovascular Center involve the study of gliomas, tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord. Center investigators are testing specific drugs that may lead to therapies that will reduce or eliminate the tumors
Recent Publications:
Miyata N, Seki T, Tanaka Y, Omura T, Taniguchi K, Doi M, Bandou K, Kametani S, Sato M, Okuyama S, Cambj-Sapunar L, Harder DR, Roman RJ. Beneficial Effects of a new 20-HETE Synthesis Inhibitor, TS-011,on Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Stroke. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2005 Apr 14 [Epub].
Pratt PF, Medhora M, Harder DR. Mechanisms regulating cerebral blood flow as therapeutic targets. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2004 Sep;5(9):952-6. Review.
Harder DR. Ca-induced Ca release: lessons regarding cell models. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2004 Nov;287(5):H1885-6.
Harder DR. Ca-induced Ca release: lessons regarding cell models. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2004 Nov;287(5):C1165-6.
Drummond HA, Gebremedhin D, Harder DR. Degenerin/epithelial Na+ channel proteins: components of a vascular mechanosensor. Hypertension. 2004 Nov;44(5):643-8.
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