Basic Science Investigation: Dr. Rockey’s current basic science work is directed in 2 major areas. The first is focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating intrahepatic microvascular blood flow regulation and portal hypertension. He and his group are studying the relationship between individual hepatic cell types prominent in the sinusoidal unit - in particular, stellate and endothelial cells. They have shown that the hepatic stellate cell appears to function as a contractile liver-specific pericyte, important in microvascular blood flow. The group also has examined its contractility after injury. They have emphasized the role of endothelin and nitric oxide in liver and sinusoid. The other major area of interest is the area of stellate cell biology and fibrogenesis. The emphasis here has been on mechanisms of fibrogenesis; the intent is to translate basic mechanisms to the clinic ? with a therapeutic intent. Multiple specific methods are used in the laboratory, including in particular molecular techniques and an assortment of transgenic mice. A number of animal models of cirrhosis and portal hypertension have been developed.
Clinical Investigation: Dr. Rockey’s ongoing clinical investigation involves establishing management strategies for common gastrointestinal problems, particularly those dealing with gastrointestinal bleeding, including acute, occult and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. In such studies, not only is outcome viewed as a central feature, but an emphasis has been placed on questions that lead to changes in clinical practice. The techniques used in this clinical work include the use of retrospective and prospective cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized, controlled trials. Ongoing clinical studies include those quantitating fecal blood loss in patients with upper gastrointestinal tract lesions that bleed on an occult basis, and those examining the different imaging tests of the colon. The latter study is critical because of the cost of colonoscopy, manpower issues related to gastroenterologists and colonoscopy, and the question of accuracy of the tests.
