Dr. Alexander’s research interests include examining in vivo and in vitro mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction in cardiovascular disease populations included primary aged, essential hypertension, and hypercholesterolemic humans. Using the cutaneous circulation as a model for examining mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction, the broad focus of her current projects includes examining 1) the roles of arginase in nitric oxide synthase uncoupling in human vasculature with hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, 2) inflammation-induced alteration in vasodilatory signaling with essential hypertension, 3) the role of reactive oxygen species in altering vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling with hypertension, and 4) the effects of common platelet inhibitors (including aspirin and Plavix®) on microvascular function in human skin as they relate to basic mechanisms of skin blood flow and functional thermoregulatory outcomes.
