Neurochemical Modulation of Cardiorespiratory Control (NMCC) Lab

Primarily located in the brainstem (medulla oblongata), these clusters of neurons control vital cardiorespiratory functions and dynamically adapt to physiological challenges, maintaining homeostasis during stress or environmental changes, including hypoxia.

The Cummings Lab focuses on understanding how the brainstem integrates signals from central autonomic pathways to regulate critical functions such as blood pressure and heart rate. Our research investigates the impact of neurochemical imbalances on these pathways, leading to maladaptive cardiovascular and respiratory responses.


Dr. Kevin J. Cummings leads a multidisciplinary team of postdoctoral researchers and collaborators in neuroscience, electrophysiology, and autonomic regulation. Using advanced techniques including In Vivo Rodent Models, Electrophysiology, Neuroimaging, Nerve Recordings, Optogenetics, Chemogenetics, Electrophysiology, Photometry, In Vivo monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory function in awake, behaving rodents, we aim to uncover deeper insights into disorders such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and cardiorespiratory maladaption during hypoxia in both infants and adults.