von Deutsch

Daniel A. von Deutsch, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S.C.R.
Research Instructor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Morehouse School of Medicine
Director, Analytical Chemistry LaboratoryMorehouse School of Medicine
D.D.S., The Ohio State University
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
M.S.C.R., Morehouse School of Medicine
Email: dvdeutsch@msm.edu
Office Phone: (404) 756-5228
Lab: (404) 756-5216
Cell Phone: (678) 595-0875
Department: (404) 752-1710
Fax: (404) 752-1164

Research Interests

The primary focus of my research is to investigate endogenous pathways involved in free radical-mediated triggering mechanisms that can result in direct and/or indirect oxidative damage in neuronal tissue and skeletal muscles. Furthermore, this process is believed to be instrumental, in part, for the onset and progression of hypertension and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Related to this research interest, is the impact that free radicals have on ß 2-adrenoceptor signal transduction and antioxidant activity, mediated through polyamines and the enzymes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nitrous oxide synthase (NOS). Both HO-1 and NOS produce antioxidant activity through their products biliverdin/bilirubin (through the metabolism of heme proteins) and nitric oxide (NO), respectively. Part of the antioxidant activity associated with NO can be attributed to its stimulation of HO-1 and subsequent synthesis of bilirubin. However, since HO-1 metabolizes heme proteins and releases iron, a key catalyst in the Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions (where HOCl from myeloperoxidase, peroxides and superoxides interact with ferrous and ferric iron to produce hydroxyl radicals), increased enzyme activity could prove to be pivotal, potentially resulting in an exacerbation of oxidative damage under high stress conditions. Similarly, additional oxidative damage could arise through the reaction of NO with superoxides and the production of peroxynitrites. Current research is focused on the dynamic relationship of these pathways.

Relevant Publications

von Deutsch, D.A., Abukhalaf, I.K., Wineski, L.E., Silvestrov, N.A., Bayorh, M., and Potter, D.E. Changes in muscle proteins and spermidine content in response to unloading and clenbuterol treatment. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2003; 81:28-39.

von Deutsch, D.A., Abukhalaf, I.K., Wineski, L.E., Potter, D.E., Aboul-Enein, H.Y., and Paulsen, D.F. Clenbuterol-induced regional and muscle-specific effects in suspended rats. Pharmacology 2002; 65:38-48.

Abukhalaf, I.K., von Deutsch, D.A., Wineski, L.E., Silvestrov, N.A., Abera, S.A., Sahlu, S.W., and Potter, D.E. Effect of hindlimb suspension and clenbuterol treatment on polyamine levels in skeletal muscle. Pharmacology 2002; 65:145-154.

von Deutsch, D.A., Abukhalaf, I.K., Aboul-Enein, H..Y, Wineski, L.E., Oster, R., Potter, D.E., and Paulsen, D.F. ß-agonist-induced alterations in organ weights and protein content: comparison of racemic clenbuterol and its enantiomers. Chirality 2000;12:637-648.

von Deutsch, A.W., Mitchell, C.D., Abukhalaf, I.K., Sanford, G., Dutt, K., Silvestrov, N.A., Klement, B.J., and von Deutsch, D.A. Polyamines protect against radiation-induced oxidative stress. ASGSB Space Biology Bulletin (submitted).

Keywords

Oxidative stress, Free radicals, Radiation, Musculoskeletal, Neurodegenerative diseases, Muscleatrophy, $ 2-adrenoceptor signal transduction

Cardiovascular

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