Sami I.
Said, M.D.
Professor : Medicine and Physiology
M.D., University of Cairo
My work with VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) began with its discovery, first in the lung and intestine, then in the brain and nerve cells. Research on VIP and related peptides has taken me and my colleagues on an exciting journey through many organ systems and across different disciplines, including physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, endocrinology, and neuroscience. One of our objectives is to define the physiological role of these peptides, their relationship to disease, and their therapeutic potential. Our approaches include the use of cells in culture, tissue strips, isolated organ preparations, anesthetized animals, and clinical trials in human subjects.
Our major research focus is on cell injury and inflammation, the principal processes underlying the adult respiratory distress syndrome and bronchial asthma, both common disorders and major health problems. Our aim is to analyze the basic mechanisms by which cell and tissue injury occurs, and to identify pharmacological means of guarding against the injury, both in animal models and in clinical practice.
In addition to peptides that are structurally related to VIP, such as helodermin and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), the recently recognized transmitter nitric oxide (NO) is a target of our investigations. Under physiological conditions, NO and VIP work, via different signal transduction pathways, to promote smooth muscle relaxation and other functions. In the setting of tissue injury and inflammation, however, they play opposing roles, with NO acting as mediator and VIP as modulator.