DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):The purpose of this program is to train individuals at the pre- andpostdoctoral level for a career in physiological research on thecardiovascular system and closely related areas. The program includes majoremphasis on the microcirculation and vascular physiology cardiac functionintegration of cardiovascular function vascular endothelial and smooth musclecell function basic cellular transport processes as well as related renalfunctions. Research training opportunities are varied from integrativestudies on the whole animal to molecular mechanisms from experimental studiesin vivo and in vitro to mathematical modeling of living systems. Strengths ofthe program are the high level of research activity among faculty (all haveone or more research grants) the well-established programs of the seniorfaculty the promise of the junior faculty the opportunity for trainees tospecialize in research training while not becoming isolated from otherrelevant areas of physiology the close working relationship between traineesand faculty the adaptability of the program to the needs of the trainee andthe high degree of interaction among training faculty. The program alsoprovides a balance between cell molecular and systems physiology in which thevalue of each approach is evident.The University of Arizona provides a highly suitable environment for trainingin the cardiovascular area. The large number of faculty working incardiovascular and closely related areas of physiology are distributed acrossseveral departments such that the training environment is highlyinterdisciplinary. In addition the State of Arizona has provided funds forextensive facilities such as the biotechnology facility to support researchprograms at the University of Arizona.Predoctoral training in the first year is built around a course sequence inmolecular cellular and systems physiology augmented with laboratoryrotations colloquia tutorials and seminars to provide a broad background inphysiology together with an early introduction to the research laboratory andthe experimental approach. Subsequent years provide an ever increasing focuson the research specialty of interest with ample opportunity to interact withresearchers using different approaches.Postdoctoral training is focused on learning state of the art techniques inthe area selected for study developing greater sophistication in applicationof the experimental method and developing and testing hypotheses. It is alsoan opportunity to become familiar with techniques and approaches outside ofthe immediate area of interest. The interaction among training facultyfacilitate this process.