Experimental Toxicology Program

Research Focus

The laboratory is focused on investigating how different forms of air pollution affect the body. In particular, we are working on understanding the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke causes emphysema in some smokers, and the relative potency of different forms of combustion emissions (exhaust from various types of diesel-, gasoline-, and natural gas-fueled vehicles, wood smoke, and others) to cause adverse health effects.

The approaches to investigate these problems involve both in vivo (inhalation of primary atmospheres or instillation of collected fractions of the atmospheres) and in vitro (exposure of cultured cells to the same materials).

Steven Shinnick
Sr. Research Technologist

In particular, we are using a unique air-liquid interface exposure system to determine the effects of engine exhaust, produced under different conditions, on lung epithelial cells.

One important goal of these studies is to validate this culture system as a useful model of inhalation exposures. The overall goals of these related projects are to understand the mechanisms by which pollutants may cause their effects and to provide information required for the appropriate and cost-effective regulation of the hazardous factors in the emissions.

Brenda Pacheco
Research Technologist

CONTACT INFORMATION

JeanClare Seagrave, PhD

Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute
2425 Ridgecrest Dr., SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108

Affiliations

University of New Mexico, Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology, Adjunct Assistant
Professor of Pharmacy
LRRI representative to Steering Committee, University of New Mexico Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program.
NIEHS Center Environmental Exposure and Assessment Core Member

Current Projects in the Lab

Comparative toxicity of engine emissions
Mechanisms of exacerbation of inflammation by particulate matter
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema