Mohamed A. Bayorh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor , Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Interim Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Morehouse School of Medicine
B.S., Bowie State University
Ph.D., Howard University
bayorh@msm.edu
Office Phone:  (404) 752-1714
Department: (404) 752-1710
Fax: (404) 752-1164

Research Interests
Our research interests are focused on looking at central and peripheral factors involved in the development and maintenance of genetic and salt-induced hypertension. More specifically, we are involved in defining the mechanisms associated with the regulation of cardiovascular function, blood flow and the release of various neuromodulators and catecholamines.

The research activities in our laboratory are funded by NASA and MBRS. Currently, we are evaluating the influence of microgravity on cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses, using a tail-suspended rat model to achieve a 30o head down tilt with "unloaded" hindlimbs. Post-flight orthostatic intolerance is a dramatic physiologic consequence of human adaptation to microgravity made inappropriate by a sudden return to normal gravity. The loss of appropriate cardiovascular reflexes contributes to the cardiovascular deconditioning (hypotension and tachycardia), but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. To further understand the above phenomenon and to develop potential countermeasures, we are investigating the role of dietary salt/salt-sensitivity in combination with other compounds (i.e. angiotensin-(1-7) antagonists, adrenergic agonists, endothelium-dependent contracting factors, such as endothelin, and nitric oxide antagonists). We are also evaluating the role of microgravity on heart rate-baroreflex responses in Dahl rats.

Relevant Publications

Bayorh, M.A., Socci, R.R., Eatman, D., Walton, M., and Ganafa, A.A. Alterations in aldosterone and angiotensin II levels in salt-induced hypertension. American Journal of Hypertension, 2005 (in press).

Bayorh, M.A., Ganafa, A.A., Socci, R.R., Silverstrov, N., Abukhalaf, I.A. The role of oxidative stress in salt-induced hypertension. American Journal of Hypertension Jan; 17: 31-6, 2004.

Eatman, D., Walton, M., Socci, R.R., Emmett, N, Bayorh, M.A.  NOSII inhibition attenuates post-suspension hypotension in Sprague-Dawley rats.  Clinical and Experimental Hypertension 25:11-24, 2003.

Bayorh, M.A., Ganafa, A.A., Socci, R.R., Eatman, D., Silvestrov, N., Abukhalaf, I.A. Effect of Losartan on oxidative stress-induces Hypertension.  American Journal of Hypertension 16:387-392, 2003.

Bayorh, M.A., Thierry-Palmer, M., Ganafa, A., Walton, M., Emmett, N., Eatman, D.  Hindlimb unloading is associated with increased nitric oxide and reduced sympathetic activity.  Journal of Gravitational Physiology (submitted).