David L. Mattson, PhD

Research Interests

Studies in the Mattson laboratory examine the normal and pathophysiological regulation of renal function and arterial blood pressure. A particular emphasis is placed on the paracrine, autocrine, and hormonal regulation of renal tubular and vascular function. Additional studies are geared toward an understanding of the genetic basis of hypertension and renal disease. The work performed in my laboratory utilizes techniques taken from molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and integrative physiology to address the role of the kidney in the regulation of sodium and water homeostasis and arterial pressure. Studies utilize in vitro measurements of mRNA, protein, enzymatic activity, enzyme kinetics, and cell signaling as well as in vivo measurements of hormone levels, blood flow, blood pressure, and other indices of renal/cardiovascular function in anesthetized and conscious rats and mice. Our experimental models include various strains of inbred and genetically manipulated rats and mice.