Chandra Yallampalli's Home Page

Chandra Yallampalli, D.V.M., Ph.D.

My laboratory at The University of Texas Medical Branch is engaged in research into involvement of nitric oxide, cytokines and growth factors in the uterus and vascular tissues during pregnancy and labor. We study the role of nitric oxide, and other cytofactors in the regulation of uterine receptivity to embryo implantation, maintenance of uterine quiescence during pregnancy and initiation of labor. In addition, the involvement of nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is being investigated.

Credentials

Research Program

We have long standing interest into the regulation of various uterine functions. My laboratory was the first to demonstrate the existence of a complete pathway of L-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP- relaxation in the rat and human uterus. Production of nitric oxide and its relaxation effects on the uterus are upregulated during pregnancy and downregulated during parturition. Several isoforms of nitric oxide synthase are present in the uterus and are differentially regulated during pregnancy and labor. Future research will include the characterization of the interactions between nitric oxide system and other systems in the uterus, like endothelins, oxytocin, and growth factors, in the control of various uterine functions.

My research program also involves the role of nitric oxide, growth factors and cytokines in the regulation of uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. We have been examining the changes in the uterine levels of various ligands and their receptors that are associated with implantation.

Finally, we are also examining the involvement of nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. We have demonstrated that inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis during pregnancy produces symptoms identical to preeclampsia. Thus we have developed a unique animal model for human pregnancy disorder, preeclampsia. We are currently engaged in developing strategies for treatment of preeclampsia using this model.

Recent Publications

Yallampalli C, Byam- Smith M, Nelson SO, Garfield RE. Steroid hormones modulate the production of Nitric oxide and cGMP in the rat uterus. Endocrinology, 1994, 134:1971-1974.

Yallampalli C, Izumi H, Byam-Smith M, Garfield RE. An L-arginine: nitric oxide- cGMP system exists in the uterus and inhibits contractility during pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1994, 170:175-185.

Yallampalli C, Garfield RE. Uterine Contractile Responses to Endothelin (ET-1) and ET Receptors are elevated during labor. Biology of Reproduction, 1994, 51:640-645.

Yallampalli C, Garfield RE. Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthesis in rats during pregnancy produces symptoms identical to preeclampsia. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1993, 169:1316-1320.

Yallampalli C, Rajaraman S, Nagamani M. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in the rat uterus and their regulation by estradiol and growth hormone. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 1993, 97:501-505.

Chandrasekhar Y, Narayan S, Singh P, Nagamani M. Binding of insulin-like growth factor-I in rat uterus: variations during sensitization and decidualization. Acta Endocrinologica, 1990, 123:243-250.

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Last updated: 05/20/03