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Yuen-Sum (Vincent) Lau
John and Rebecca Moores Professor and Chair
521 Science and Research Building 2
713-743-1276 (Voice)
713-743-1229 (Fax)
YLau2@uh.edu
Education and Training
B.S., Biology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, M.S., Ph.D., Pharmacology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
Post-doctorate, Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dr. Lau’s research laboratory has developed and characterized a chronic, progressive mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, which is the first known chronic model that resembles many symptomatologies detected in Parkinson’s disease patients. The cellular and molecular events that occurred in association with dopamine neuron degeneration in this chronic model of Parkinson’s disease have been studied showing robust loss of dopamine transmission and neuronal functions, accumulation of pathological inclusion bodies, early signs of neuro-apoptosis (cell death), and locomotor deficit. This model is proven to be useful for developing new neuroprotective therapies and for further examining the mechanisms of neurodegeneration relevant to neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
Some of the research techniques used in Dr. Lau’s laboratory include:
- Pharmacological approaches (whole animal drug administration via intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, mini-osmotic pump, and stereotaxic sites);
- Neurochemical approaches (neurotransmitter detection and quantitation by HPLC, functional measurement of transmitter uptake and release, drug receptor binding and characterization);
- Cellular and molecular approaches (protein detection and semi-quantitation by Western and immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization of mRNA expression);
- Animal behavioral Assessments (locomotor and stereotypic behaviors, rotarod performance, endurance treadmill exercise protocol).
Autonomic and Receptor Pharmacology (Cholinergics, Adrenergics, Ganglionic Drugs, Receptor Concepts and Analysis)
Central Nervous System Pharmacology (CNS Stimulants & Methylxanthines, Sedatives & Anxiolytics, Analgesics, Antiparkinson, Antipsychotic, Antimanic, Antidepressant & Anticonvulsant Agents, Drugs of Abuse, General and Local Anesthetics)
Autacoid Pharmacology (Histamine & Antihistamines, Agonists & Antagonists for Serotonin, Kinin & Prostaglandin Systems, Antigout & Antirheumatoid Agents, Antiasthmatic Drugs)
Antiparasitic Pharmacology (Antimalarials, Amoebicides, Anthelmintics)
Endocrine Pharmacology (Insulin and Hypoglycemic Agents, Hypothalamic-Pituitary Hormones)
Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Toxicology (Principles, Mechanisms, Developmental Toxicity, Radiation Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology and Management)
Radiopharmaceutics
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Association for Medical School Pharmacology
Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America
Society for Neuroscience
Outstanding Young Men of America
Health Future Foundation James M. Keck Faculty Development Award
Phi Lambda Sigma (a national pharmacy leadership society)
Creighton University School of Medicine Outstanding Young Investigator Award, 1985
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy Professor of the Year/Excellence in Teaching Award, 1996.
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