Dr. Nelson Escobales
Professor and Director
Ph.D. University of Puerto Rico, 1982
E-mail: nescobales@rcm.upr.edu

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. J. Miranda 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 the Pharmacology 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.