Research Summary

• P50 DK64539 (Emeran Mayer, MD overall PI), 9/30/02-8/31/07
  NIDDK, $1,107,745
  Women's Health and Functional Visceral Disorders Center, the Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women?s Health (C.N.S).
  The main focus of the Center is the identification of sex-related factors that play a role in the development, clinical manifestation and treatment of two common visceral pain syndromes; irritable bowel syndrome, and interstitial cystitis.
  I am PI of an RO-1 within the Center entitled Sex and Neuroendocrine Effects on Interstitial Cystitis.
• RO1 DK57284-01A1 LA Birder (PI), 12/01/00-11/30/04
  NIDDK, $1,049,683
  Role of nitric oxide in interstitial cystitis.
  The goals of this study are to identify how alterations in NO production may play a role in the pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis (IC) studied in cats with a naturally occurring form of IC (feline interstitial cystitis).
  Role: Co-Investigator
  Buffington (PI), 9/01/01-12/31/05
• The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, $253,662
  Effect of environmental enrichment on disease risk of indoor cats.
  This study is to identify health risks associated with indoor housing in cats, and to determine if reducing identified risks reduces the recurrence rate of IC in cats.
  Role: PI