Eldridge Research Group

The major focus of the Eldridge Research Group involves integrative cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology. Of particular interest are cardiopulmonary interactions in congenital and acquired lung disease (congenital diaphragmatic hernia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, asthma, hepatopulmonary syndrome and, bronchiolitis obliterans). My laboratory uses isolated heart-lung preparations, non-anaesthetized and anaesthetized animal models and humans in our investigations. The laboratory has specific expertise in the use of invasive methods including right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization, state-of-the-art non-invasive echocardiographic methods, exercise and hypoxia to investigate cardiopulmonary pathophysiology in small and large animal lung disease models and human subjects and patients. Currently, our specific research activities emphasize the following:

Right Heart-pulmonary Vascular Interactions in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

We are investigating the long-term impact of premature birth and aggressive ventilator therapies including hyperoxia on cardiopulmonary function. We are measuring right heart function and pulmonary vascular reactivity during exercise and hypoxic stress in children and young adults with a history of premature birth and BPD. We are also investigating RV function and remodeling, RV metabolism and RV-pulmonary vascular coupling in a rat model of BPD. A new area of particularly interest in the potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction in RV response to pressure and volume loading in the developing heart. NIH/NHLBI R01 HL115061 (Eldridge).

Functional Characterization of Inducible Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Pathways in Health Humans and Chronic Lung Disease

We are investigating the effects of pulmonary vascular pressures and flows, oxygen tension, and vasoactive mediators on the recruitment of inducible intrapulmonary arteriovenous pathways. We are also interested in the role of inducible intrapulmonary arteriovenous pathways in disease states such as cryptogenic stroke, BPD, and high altitude pulmonary edema. NIH/NHLBI R01 HL086897 (Eldridge)

Stem Cell Therapy and Lung Disease

We are interested in the value of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) to modulate the development of bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplant in both rodent and pig models. We are also interested in the hemodynamic consequences and trafficking of MSC’s infused into the pulmonary circulation. We are also investigating the therapeutic value of MSC exizomes in our rat BPD model. NIH/NHLBI HHSN268201000010C (Hei)

Diving Physiology and Medicine

Another major area of interest is the development of protective decompression strategies following saturation dives using a sheep model. We are also investigating the mechanisms of injury for both acute and chronic decompression injury using MRI (diffusion tensor imaging), and nuclear medicine scanning respectively. DOD Navy MSN154443 (Eldridge)

Research News

  • Kent MacLaughlin

    Kent MacLaughlin receives FSID grant

    Congratulations to Kent MacLaughlin, a graduate student in the Eldridge Lab, for receiving $45k in funding from the Foundation for the Study of Inflammatory Disease. His project, “The inflammatory and genetic response to oxygen dose,” …

  • What We Published In May 2020

    Al Dhaheri N, Wu N, Zhao S, Wu Z, Blank RD, Zhang J, Raggio C, Halanski M, Shen J, Noonan K, Qiu G, Nemeth B, Sund S, Dunwoodie SL, Chapman G, Glurich I, Steiner RD, Wohler …

  • Pediatrics Research Week 2020 Abstract Book Now Available

    The Pediatrics Research Week 2020 Abstract Book is now available. University of Wisconsin Department of Pediatrics faculty, staff, fellows and residents submitted over 50 research abstracts for the virtual conference, which is taking place May 26-29, 2020. …

  • What We Published in April 2020

    1. Ascierto PA, Fox B, Urba W, Anderson AC, Atkins MB, Borden EC, Brahmer J, Butterfield LH, Cesano A, Chen D, de Gruijl T, Dillman RO, Drake CG, Emens LA, Gajewski TF, Gulley JL, Stephen …

  • Save the Date: Virtual Pediatrics Research Week Begins 5/26/20

    In response to COVID-19, the Department of Pediatrics’ annual Research Week will offer alternative programming to spotlight the scholarly work from its residents, fellows, faculty and staff. Through a mix of livestreamed lectures and interactive …

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