Habecker Lab

We are interested in understanding the changes that occur in the cardiac innervation following myocardial infarction, since they are important for triggering arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.  These neuronal changes are not well understood, but blocking cardiac Beta receptors for the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) can help prevent arrhythmias.  We are investigating the regulation of neuronal proteins that synthesize, store, and remove NE, and the genes that encode them.  We are also examining the induction of neuropeptides in the cardiac innervation following infarction, and how they alter neurotransmission and cardiac function.  Finally, we are examining the role of neurotrophins in post-infarct denervation and nerve sprouting.  We use a variety of techniques to carry out these studies.