Donald G. Buerk, Ph.D.
buerk@seas.upenn.edu
Research Associate Professor
of Physiology; Research Associate Professor of Bioengineering
B.S., Engineering, Case Western
Reserve University, 1969
M.S., Biomedical Engineering,
Case Western Reserve University, 1976
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering,
Northwestern University, 1980
Research Interests
I am investigating the multiple
roles of biologically produced nitric oxide gas in regulating blood flow
and oxygen delivery by the cardiovascular system, as a gaseous neurotransmitter
mediating neuronal function in the central nervous system, and its pathological
activity, including a possible role in the growth and spread of cancerous
tumors. My primary research focus is on the control of blood flow and oxygen
supply to the optic nerve of the eye, and impaired blood flow with glaucoma
and other diseases. I am also investigating mechanisms of oxygen chemoreception
by the carotid body and its role in the control of breathing.
Several biomedical measurement
technologies are used in my research, including miniaturized electrochemical
sensors for nitric oxide, oxygen, pH, ions and catecholamines, and microscope-based
infrared laser Doppler blood flowmetry. An optical technique for noninvasive
measurements of oxygen in small blood vessels in the microcirculation by
phosphorescent quenching is also under development. Physiological experiments
are being conducted in mammalian brain, carotid body, eye, tumors and other
organs. Mathematical modeling of biotransport phenomena are used to help
in interpreting experimental data.
Selected Publications
Can we model NO biotransport?
A survey of mathematical models for a simple diatomic molecule with surprisingly
complex biological activities. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering,
3(8):109-143, 2001.
Regulation of oxygen
sensing by peripheral arterial chemoreceptors. International Journal of
Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 33(8):755-774, 2001
Temporal dynamics
of the partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen during functional forepaw
stimulation in rats. Neuroscience Letters, 306(6):106-110, 2001.
Predominant role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in VEGF-induced
angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Proceedings of the National
Academy of Science USA. 98(2):2604-2609, 2001.
Bioengineering
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