American Lung Association of New Mexico

Research provides hope to millions of people living with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other lung diseases. Here are some of the research initiatives funded by the Lung Association being conducted right here in New Mexico for the 2009-2010 grant cycle.

ZHENXIONG ZHANG, Ph.D.
Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM
Senior Research Training Fellowship

How Can We Use Opiate Drugs For Pain Relief Without Affecting Breathing?
Opiate drugs, such as morphine, are widely used to relieve pain. But these drugs can depress breathing to lethally low levels. The researchers will study how these drugs activate receptors in the central nervous system, resulting in depressed breathing. This will help develop approaches in which opiate drugs produce pain relief with less impact on breathing.

ALBERT SENFT, PhD
Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM
Biomedical Research Grant

How Does RSV Circumvent the Immune System?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes severe illness in very young and elderly people. A large collection of evidence suggests that RSV is adept at circumventing the immune system. This results in an increased risk for developing chronic asthma, as well as severe illness caused by secondary bacterial infection. The mechanisms by which RSV circumvents the immune system are currently unclear. The researchers will study how RSV impairs immune system function. This research may lead to novel therapies to treat and limit RSV-induced disease.

Asthma Clinical Research Network The American Lung Association is proud to have created a network of centers focused directly on asthma and the care and progression of asthma patients. With 20 centers nationwide, we are making an impact right in our own backyard!

DeSouza Research Award is made possible courtesy of a restricted bequest left by Mr. James L. DeSouza of Phoenix, Arizona. It focuses tuberculosis and related lung disease research. The current award recipient is Thomas F. Byrd M.D. at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.