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Department
of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences
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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)
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YLau2@uh.edu
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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
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Research Interests:
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).
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Teaching Areas:
Autonomic and Receptor Pharmacology (Cholinergics,
Adrenergics, Receptor Concepts and Analysis)
Central Nervous System Pharmacology (CNS Stimulants & Methylxanthines;
Sedatives & Anxiolytics; Analgesics; Antiparkinson, Antipsychotic,
Antidepressant & Anticonvulsant Agents)
Autacoid Pharmacology (Histamine & Antihistamines; Agonists
& Antagonists for Serotonin, Kinin & Prostaglandin Systems;
Antigout & Antirheumatoid Agents)
Antiparasitic Pharmacology (Antimalarials; Amoebicides; Anthelmintics)
Endocrine Pharmacology (Insulin and Hypoglycemic Agents, Hypothalamic-Pituitary
Hormones)
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Affiliations:
American Society for Pharmacology and
Experimental Therapeutics
Association for Medical School Pharmacology
Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America
Society for Neuroscience
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Honors & Awards:
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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