The long road to Ithaca: a physiologist's journey

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Lung Injury

Background:

• Walter B. Cannon pioneered "fight or flight" and Homeostasis.
• The lecture title is inspired by C. P. Cavafy's poem "Ithaca."
• The speaker reflects on a career in respiration physiology and scientific contribution.

Observation:

• Oxidant gases and pathogens damage the blood gas barrier.
• This damage leads to acute and chronic lung injury.
• Free heme is identified as a key mediator in acute lung injury.

Findings:

• Current studies implicate free heme in acute lung injury.
• Research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of blood gas barrier damage.
• Efforts are underway to develop countermeasures for lung injury.

Implications:

• Understanding heme's role can lead to new treatments for lung injury.
• Developing hemopexin offers a potential therapeutic strategy.
• This work contributes to the broader field of respiratory medicine and critical care.