The goal of research in Dr. Colombari´s laboratory is to determine mechanisms of neuronal interaction between cardiovascular-respiratory control and body fluid homeostasis. In addition, possible dysfunction in CNS sympathetic and respiratory regulatory circuits in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.  Studies are carried out in animal models of disease.  Major methodological approaches include in vivo single unit recording from individual CNS pre-sympathetic neurons, drug microinjections in CNS, neuroanatomical methods, whole-animal hemodynamic studies, and recording of cardiovascular function in conscious rats and mice.  Additional techniques include immunohistochemical staining, water and salt intake, AAV- and Lentiviral gene transfer to site specifically alter gene expression in CNS neurons.   Collectively these approaches are used to investigate sympathetic circuit dysfunction in models of arterial hypertension (SHR and Renal model) and in metabolic disorders (obesity & high salt diets) and sleep apnea.