University of Calgary

Brian R. MacIntosh

 Brian R. MacIntosh

   

Brian R. MacIntosh, Ph.D.
Room: KNB 2212
Phone: (403) 220-3421
Fax: (403) 284-3553
e-mail: brian [at] kin [dot] ucalgary [dot] ca

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POSITIONS
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
AWARDS AND HONOURS
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
CURRENT GRANT SUPPORT
PUBLICATIONS

 

POSITIONS

Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology,

Associate Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies (ending June 30, 2011)

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EDUCATION

1979 Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Medical Sciences at University of Florida, Department of Physiology, Gainesville, Florida,USA
1975 Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Kinetics at University of Guelph, Ont., Canada

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RESEARCH INTERESTS

Force Modulation in Skeletal Muscle: In the past, I have studied skeletal muscle fatigue in situ with anesthetized dog and rat models. In addition to this approach, I am now working with an in vitro preparation, to permit me to study in more detail, the cellular basis of skeletal muscle mechanics in potentiation and fatigue. I have now set up the equipment to permit me to measure intracellular calcium, during muscle contractions. This will fit nicely with my current work looking at acute and chronic twitch and tetanic force modulation in association with myosin light chain phosphorylation. The work which I am pursuing is with the following hypotheses in mind: 1) skeletal muscle fatigue is the result of regulation of activation to preserve cellular integrity and 2) potentiation of skeletal muscle contraction as a result of repetitive stimulation is due to phosphorylation of the myosin light chains in combination with changes in Ca2+ distribution and handling within the muscle. Past experiments have included: the mechanism by which potentiation is attenuated in disuse atrophy, and length-dependence of twitch potentiation and fatigue. It is my goal to study the mechanisms of force modulation in skeletal muscle from the in vitro single intact and skinned fiber level to in vivo human muscle group response. In addition to pursuing this research with animal models of muscle fatigue, I have begun working with patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and anticipate further research with various populations of human subjects who suffer fatigue, and attempt to find the specific mechanisms of fatigue as well as appropriate therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures to avoid or diminish the fatigue. This would include work with the aged as well as various pathological conditions (cancer, heart disease, renal failure, respiratory disease etc.)  [top]

AWARDS AND HONOURS

2000 Recognition Award for contributions to the Human Performance Laboratory
2006 Award from Faculty of Graduate Studies for Outstanding Supervision of Graduate Students

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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American College of Sports Medicine (Fellow)
American Physiological Society
Biophysical Society
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology

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CURRENT GRANT SUPPORT

2008-2013 NSERC-Skeletal Muscle Potentiation and Fatigue $110,000

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PUBLICATIONS

More than 65 publications in scientific refereed journals, as well as author/editor of numerous books and book chapters. To view Brian R. MacIntosh's publications please see:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=macintosh%20br

or go to his web site:  www.ucalgary.ca/macintosh

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