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M. Joan Dawson Associate Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience, and Biophysics Ph.D. 1972, University of Pennsylvania Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic (NMRS) studies of living systems M. Joan Dawson 488 Burrill Hall, MC-114 407 S. Goodwin Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-1295 mjd@life.uiuc.edu

We use nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging to study the relation between metabolism and function in living systems as simple as cells in culture and as complex as human subjects. Studies of isolated tissues include the effect of temperature on sodium/potassium pump in red cells, photic stimulation of toad retina, the mechanism of fatigue in skeletal muscle undergoing servo-controlled isovelocity shortening, and the effects of diseases of pregnancy and gynecologic disorders on human uterus and placenta. Non-invasive studies in animals and humans include mapping of the distribution of metabolites in skeletal muscle and brain, studies of developmental changes, and studies of the metabolic effects of activity. In each case, we use NMRS techniques to study specific processes within the context of a complete living system. The aims are to validate new NMRS methods, to elucidate tissue-specific mechanisms, and to draw conclusions concerning basic concepts and design in tissue metabolism and function.