L. Maximilian Buja, M.D.

1967, Tulane University

UT-Houston Medical School
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Research Interests: Myocardial and vascular cell biology and pathology; calcium homeostasis; phospholipid metabolism; adrenergic mechanisms

My major research focus is on the roles of alterations in electrolyte homeostasis, membrane receptors, and membrane phospholipid metabolism in the evolution of irreversible hypoxic and toxic cell injury. In a cultured myocyte model, biochemical analyses of lipids and receptors are correlated with measurements of calcium by fura-2 microspectroflurometry. Effects of cytokines on myocytic responses are being studied. Other projects address the roles of lipids and cellular elements in the progression and regression of atherosclerosis.

A tutorial in my laboratory would provide experience in the cell biological and biochemical approaches mentioned above.

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Wang D, McMillin JB, Bick R, Buja LM (1996) Response of the neonatal rat cardiomyocyte in culture to energy depletion: effects of cytokines, nitric oxide and heat shock proteins. Lab Invest 75:809-818.

Bick RJ, Liao JP, King TW, LeMaistre A, McMillin JB, Buja LM (1997) Temporal effects of cytokines on neonatal cardiac myocyte Ca2+ transients and adenylate cyclase activity. Am J Physiol 272:H1937-H1944.

Program Affiliation:
Program in Molecular Pathology
Vascular Biology