Modulation of Vascular Function

Professor Peter Collins, Principal Investigator

Research

Research efforts of this group concentrate on the investigation of vascular function in health and disease, with particular emphasis on coronary heart disease and modulation of endothelial function.  Specifically, research has focussed on the investigation of a variety of hormones and related substances in isolated blood vessels and cardiac myocytes, and on the coronary and peripheral circulations of humans.  Dietary modulation of vascular function and exercise performance is also being investigated.

Women’s heart health

Research investigating the actions of sex hormones on the cardiovascular system in women has led to an interest in women’s heart health.  Chest pain syndromes such as cardiac syndrome X are more prevalent in women and a particular interest has developed to investigate new therapeutic options in this troublesome syndrome associated with considerable morbidity.

New methods

In collaboration with the MRI unit, a novel methodology has been pioneered and validated for the measurement of brachial artery endothelial function.  The group has validated the use of radial artery applanation tonometry to measure endothelial function.

Major research interests

Pathophysiology of coronary heart disease, leading to new or adapted prevention strategies, investigative and treatment options with particular emphasis on endothelial function and blood flow in humans

Coronary and peripheral blood flow control mechanisms in coronary heart disease or patients with risk factors for coronary heart disease – intracoronary Doppler, intravascular ultrasound, quantitative coronary angiography, radial artery applanation tonometry, brachial artery ultrasound.

Investigation of new methods, or refinement of existing methods, for prevention, investigation and treatment of coronary heart disease

Gender differences in the incidence, prevention, investigation and treatment of coronary heart disease and related symptoms

Collaborators

• Imperial College (Dr Kenneth MacLeod, Prof Steven Franks, Prof Dudley Pennell, Prof Peter Barnes)
• Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust (Prof Carlo Di Mario, Mr Neil Moat, Dr Michael Mullens, Dr Michael Gatzoulis, Dr Charles Ilsley, Dr Mark Mason, Dr Miles Dalby, Dr Mahmood Babir)
• Oxford University (Prof Hugh Watkins)
• St. George's Medical School, London (Dr J-C Kaski)
• Manchester Royal Infirmary (Prof F Creed)
• University of Sydney (Dr Gemma Figtree)
• St Vincent’s Hospital and Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (Dr Christopher Hayward)
• Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA (Dr J Koudy Williams)
• IGBMC, CEDEX, France

The National Heart and Lung Institute (Imperial College) has received generous leadership grants from the Trustees of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Charitable Foundation to support cardiovascular medical research in the subdivision of Cardiovascular Science (Systems Biology).