Faculty

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Kenney
Director, Graduate Programs
Interim Head, Department of Anatomy/Physiology

PhD, University of Iowa, 1988

Phone (785) 532-4513
e-mail kenny@vet.k-state.edu

 

 

 

 

 

Research Interests:

The long-term objective of the research in our laboratory is to determine how sympathetic nerve regulation is altered by pathophysiological states, environmental and immune stress, and aging. Recent work completed in this laboratory supports the concept that central sympathetic neural networks regulate three important functional characteristics of efferent sympathetic nerve discharge: 1) the basal level of activity, 2) the bursting pattern, and 3) the relationships between discharges in regionally-selective sympathetic nerves. By altering these functional characteristics, the sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and mediating physiological responses to acute physical stress. Current experiments are designed to determine central neural mechanisms involved in regulating efferent sympathetic nerve outflow. A more complete understanding of the organization of central sympathetic neural circuits is critical for determining the role of the sympathetic nervous system in physiological regulation and disease processes.
 

PubMed's listing of Dr. Kenney's publications.