معرفی
Ralph Fregosi is a Professor at the University of Arizona, with affiliations in Physiology, Neurobiology, the Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute, Neuroscience (GIDP), and Anesthesiology. His research focuses on the development of motor neurons controlling breathing and the impact of perinatal neurotoxin exposure, particularly nicotine, on their function.
Education:
- BS in Exercise Science & Biology (1976), University of Massachusetts-Boston
- MS in Exercise Physiology (1977), University of Arizona
- PhD in Respiratory Physiology (1985), University of Arizona
- Post-Doctoral in Neurophysiology (1988), Dartmouth Medical School
Research Interests: He investigates how neurotoxins affect the biophysical properties of motor neurons, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter receptor expression, and gene expression using techniques like whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, RNA sequencing, and pharmacology.
Publications: His recent work (2019-2022) includes studies on nicotine's impact on hypoglossal motor neurons, respiratory muscle activation patterns, and physiological diversity in tongue muscle innervation.
Techniques: His lab employs advanced methods such as immunocytochemistry, extracellular motor nerve recording, electromyography, and awake animal breathing measurements.
