Douglas L. Schmucker, PhD, Professor
douglas.schmucker@ucsf.edu
415-221-4810 x3450

Age Dependent Changes in Cell Structure and Function

The primary research interest concerns the etiology of the aging process, i.e., the age-dependent changes that occur in cell structure and function, especially, but not limited to, the gastrointestinal tract. These studies employ a correlated quantitative structural and functional approach and are designed to define such changes, to evaluate their impact on the overall physiology of the cell/organ/animal and to determine the mechanism(s) responsible. Particular emphasis is placed on the effect(s) of aging on the gastrointestinal immune response. Other research projects include the effects of age and gender on liver functions, including drug metabolism and hepatobiliary processes. A variety of techniques are employed in these studies, including qualitative and quantitative microscopy, autoradiography, primary cell culture, ELISA, ELISPOT, adoptive transfer of cells subcellular fractionation, electrophoresis, chromatography, immunochemistry, enzyme biochemistry, molecular biology and kinetics. A recent retrospective interest concerns the role of women and the elderly in clinical drug trials.

Complete list of Publications/PubMed

Selected Publications

Thoreux K, RL Owen, DL Schmucker. 2000. Intestinal lymphocyte number, migration and antibody secretion in young and old rats. Immunology.

Schmucker DL, ES Vesell. 1999. Representation of the elderly in clinical drug trials. J Clin Pharm 39, 1103-1108.

Thoreux K, DL Schmucker. 2001. Fermented milk enhances intestinal immunity in young, but not in old, rats. J Nutrition 131, 807-12.

Schmucker DL, K Thoreux, RL Owen. 2001. Aging impairs intestinal immunity. Mech Aging & Develop 122, 1397-1411.

Schmucker DL. 2001. Liver function and drug metabolism in the elderly: a paradox? Drugs & Aging (in press).