Dr. Nelson EscobalesDr. Nelson Escobales,
Professor and Director

Ph.D. University of Puerto Rico, 1982
E-mail: nelson.escobales@upr.edu


 

Research Interests

Dr. Escobales is studying various aspects of cardiovascular and cellular physiology. These include ion and nutrient transport across the plasma membrane of vascular cells, and the control of the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Studies are also conducted in the Syrian Cardiomyopathic hamster model to understand the pathophysiology of heart failure. In particular, we are interested in elucidating the mechanisms involved in the up-regulation of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) activity that is observed in the aorta early in the development of heart failure. To accomplish this objective Dr. Escobales is collaborating with Dr. Sabazali Javadov from the Physiology Department to study the regulation of ACE mRNA in the aorta of the hamster by RT-PCR. Studies are also directed at assessing the role of free-radicals in the development of vascular and cardiac dysfunction in this animal model.

Dr. Escobales is also collaborating with Dr. M.J. Crespo from our Department to evaluate the role of vascular dysfunction in the genesis of cardiac failure. He maintains an active collaboration with Dr. P.I. Altieri from the Department of Medicine and the Cardiovascular Center in studies related to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.

 

Relevant Publications

  1. Escobales N, Ramos J, Santacana GE, Crespo MJ. Hemodynamic alterations in the coronary circulation of cardiomyopathic hamsters: age and Ang II-dependent mechanisms. J Card Fail. 2009, 15(10):929-38.

  2. Escobales N, Crespo MJ. Angiotensin II-dependent vascular alterations in young cardiomyopathic hamsters: role for oxidative stress. Vasc Pharmacol, 2006; 44: 22-28.

  3. Escobales N, Rivera-Correa MM, Altieri PI, and Rodriguez JF. Relationship between NO synthesis, arginine transport, and intracellular arginine levels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Amino Acids. 2000;19:451-468.

  4. Crespo MJ, Escobales N, Altieri PI. Altered vascular function in early stages of heart failure in hamsters. J. Cardiac Failure. 1997;3(4):311-318.

  5. Escobales N, Longo EA, Danthulury NR, Brock TA. Osmotic activation of Na/H exchange in human endothelial cells. Amer. J. Physiol. 1990;259(Cell Physiol. 28):C640-646.