L. Britt Wilson

Associate Professor

PhD: Louisiana State Univ Medical Center, New Orleans, LA
BS: West Texas State Univ., Canyon TX

Research Focus:

The primary aim of this laboratory is to better understand the neural regulation of cardiovascular function and how this regulation may change in pathologic states. Specifically, we focus on the spinal cord processing related to reflex cardiovascular control from somatic (skin, skeletal muscle, and joints) tissue, and how this reflex cardiovascular control can by altered by tissue inflammation and/or injury. Our recent work suggests that similar to pain perception, reflex increases in cardiovascular function produced by noxious stimuli are augmented following tissue injury or joint inflammation. Several lines of research related to this finding are underway or planned. One is to determine the mechanism for the augmented reflex cardiovascular responses, with the working hypothesis being that a spinal cord mechanism is involved. A second is to determine if this augmentation can be eliminated by pharmacologic or gene transfer therapies. A third is to ascertain whether or not chronic inflammatory states, such as arthritis, result in prolonged changes in reflex cardiovascular control. Finally, we are also investigating possible gender differences that may exist regarding the reflex cardiovascular responses evoked by noxious stimuli and the alteration of these reflex responses that occurs with inflammation and/or tissue injury.

Recent Publications

• LeDoux, J.F. and L.B. Wilson (2001): Neuronal application of capsaicin modulates somatic pressor reflexes. Am. J. Physiol., 281: R868-R877.
• Wilson, L.B., A.D. Craig, and D. Andrew (2002): Activation of spinobulbar lamina I neurons by static contraction. J. Neurophysiol., 87: 1641-1645.
• Wilson, LB, JF LeDoux, and SR Barnes (2005): Brief stimulation of the peroneal nerve attenuates the exercise pressor reflex in anaesthetised cats. Autonomic Neurosci.: Basic & Clin., 118: 1-11.