It has been proposed that zinc is a determinant of cardiovascular health and that zinc deficiency in disease and aging may be a factor in the development of heart failure. There is evidence that some of the cardioprotective effects of zinc may be mediated through protein kinase C (PKC). Two isoforms of PKC (delta and epsilon) were associated with protection by zinc in a rat model of cardiac ischemia reperfusion injury. While effects of zinc in cardiac tissue have been demonstrated, little is known about zinc in the vascular system. This project will explore the interactions between zinc, protein kinase C, protein phosphorylation and redox events in the vasculature beginning with animal tissues (small mesenteric rat arteries) and extending to human blood vessels obtained at operation. The Honours student will acquire experience in a wide variety of techniques including the handling of small blood vessels, myography, cell culture, western blotting and immunocytochemistry.
Lead researchers
Doctor Peter Zalewski
Professor David Wilson
Professor John Beltrame
Contact person
Doctor Peter Zalewski
Centres, Groups & Labs
Zinc Biology Group
Discipline
Discipline of Medicine
