Prof. Asher Shainberg

1. Repair of post-ischemic heart damage

One of the main reasons that heart attacks occur is lack of oxygen supply to the heart. Damage to the heart can be reduced using different methods. We are attempting to elucidate the mechanism of action of these methods and to develop new protective methods in cardiac cells grown in culture.

2. Pharmacological protection of mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondrial contribution to the progression of cardiomyocyte injury in ischemic heart is well known. However, the protective effects of adenosine receptor activation and/or the involvement of external UTP in protection and their signal transduction pathway in cardiac cell with respiratory chain deficiency, are investigated.

3. Determination of calcium concentration in cells

Calcium ions have been implicated in normal and abnormal physiological functions of the heart. Any change in its level can cause damage to the cells. Therefore we developed conditions to study the movement of calcium ions in heart cells under the influence of physiological and pharmacological factors. This is examined using a dynamic calcium imaging system based on fluorescent microscopy to which a light-sensitive video camera and photomultipliers are connected.

4. Adriamycin (doxorubicin)

This is an anti-cancer drug having side effects such as cardiotoxicity. We are attempting to clarify the cardiotoxic mechanism of action of adriamycin (doxorubicin). We are also attempting to neutralize the toxicity without harming the anti-cancer action.