Abbott, Stephen B.
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Pharmacology
Education
- BS, Physiology, Psychology, University of Sydney
- PhD, Medicine, Macquarie University
- Post-Doc, University of Virginia
- Post-Doc, Sleep-wake systems, autonomic neurobiology, Harvard University
Contact Information
1340 Jefferson Park Ave.
Pinn Hall, Room 5228
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Telephone: 434- 924-5849
Fax: 434-982-3878
Email: sba6t@virginia.edu
Research Disciplines
Biotechnology, Cardiovascular Biology, Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroendocrinology, Neuroscience, Physiology
Research Interests
Neurobiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory system, Central mechanisms linking cardiorespiratory function with affective state and emotion
Research Description
Our goal is to understand how the brain integrates sensory feedback to control specific autonomic responses that restore physiologic balance. We are also interested in the cross-talk between cardiorespiratory physiology and affective state. To address these issues, we combine use a systems neuroscience approach such as optogenetics, electrophysiology, and calcium imaging, RNA sequencing and rodent genetics together with surgical manipulations and pharmacology. Through the use of these approaches, we aim to identify the cell types and network interactions that regulate the homeostatic of breathing and cardiovascular function, and characterize how changes in the function of this system lead to cardiovascular disease and affective disorders.