Nada Porter, PhD

Research interests are in the area of hormone modulation of ion channels. Specifically, our studies address two central questions: 1) Do stress hormones adversely affect neuronal viability by altering calcium channel influx? 2) Under what conditions can steroid hormones have a beneficial or adverse effect? Recent studies indicate that steroid hormones regulate calcium channel activity. Current efforts are focused on how these changes in calcium influx affect neuronal viability. Answers to these questions will help determine whether neuronal calcium channels are potential therapeutic targets for degenerative or traumatic disorders of the brain.