Diane H. Munzenmaier, Ph.D.

The renin-angiotensin system has been shown to be important in vascular growth and remodeling through two major receptors with opposing roles. The AT1 receptor promotes vascular growth and angiogenesis, while the AT2 opposes angiogenesis in most tissues. Recent evidence from our laboratory has suggested that blockade of the AT1 receptor results in an increase in cerebral microvessel density and protection from stroke. We are studying the role of these two receptors on the growth and maintenance of the brain vasculature as well as determining changes in expression and function in disease.

Our projects include: Cerebral Angiogenesis and the Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Vascular Remodeling - stroke recovery can be improved with restoration of blood flow to the area of infarction. Angiogenesis into ischemic areas reduces the extent of permanent cellular damage that results following a stroke. Astrocytes appear to be important in sensing severely reduced blood flow and for directing capillary growth into areas of need. We are interested in determining the mechanisms of this process and better defining the role of astrocytes in transducing the hypoxic signal to the vasculature. 

Recent Publications:
Ardelt AA, McCullough LD, Korach KS, Wang MM, Munzenmaier DH, Hurn PD. Estradiol regulates angiopoietin-1 mRNA expression through estrogen receptor-alpha in a rodent experimental stroke model. Stroke. 2005 Feb;36(2):337-41.

Forder JP, Munzenmaier DH, Greene AS. Angiogenic protection from focal ischemia with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade in the rat. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2005 Apr;288(4):H1989-96.

Santos CF, Caprio MA, Oliveira EB, Salgado MC, Schippers DN, Munzenmaier DH, Greene AS. Functional role, cellular source, and tissue distribution of rat elastase-2, an angiotensin II-forming enzyme. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2003 Aug;285(2):H775-83.

Munzenmaier DH, Harder DR. Cerebral microvascular endothelial cell tube formation: role of astrocytic epoxyeicosatrienoic acid release. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2000 Apr;278(4):H1163-7.

Nora EH, Munzenmaier DH, Hansen-Smith FM, Lombard JH, Greene AS. Localization of the ANG II type 2 receptor in the microcirculation of skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol. 1998 Oct;275(4 Pt 2):H1395-403.