Frederick R. Cobb Non-Invasive Vascular Research Laboratory

 

Under the direction of Jason D. Allen PhD. (j.d.allen@duke.edu), the laboratory investigates vascular health and the atherosclerotic process.  We combine physiological and biochemical techniques in an attempt to better detect markers of vessel disease development. 

 

Dr. Allen is also a Registerd Vascular Specialist (RVS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International

 

Our major focus is peripheral blood flow, endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability.

 

 

Under normal (healthy) conditions NO has a vaso-protective role.  Changes in the bioavailability or chemical species of NO may have a detrimental effect on vascular health.

 

 

Efforts to determine markers of NO bioavailability and vascular function may help determine who has the switch for vascular disease turned on or off. 

 

 

We also investigate the outcomes of different treatment interventions on the vascularture   Exercise training as treatment for vascular disease is a specific interest of ours.

 

 

We provide an Advanced Vascular Prevention Screening Service to the Executive Health Program, the Diet and Fitness Center and select Endocrinology patients.

 

 

Our research mission is supported by studies funded by The National Institutes of Health, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association.  We are also involved in several industry sponsored trials (see projects and publications).