Frederic G. Hoppin, Jr.

M.D., Columbia University, 1960
Professor
Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology
& Biotechnology
Director, Pulmonary Division
Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
Tel. (401) 729-2636

Research Summary

Our goal is to better understand the mechanical properties of the lungs and their relationships to normal and abnormal physiology. More specifically we would like to identify the roles of tissue and surface components in the overall and local stress-strain properties of the lungs. We would like to relate airway function to the interactions of the lung parenchymal stress and strains and the passive and active properties of the airway and to understand the mechanical determinants of alveolar patency and configuration.

Our current approaches include morphometric determination of the distribution of fibrous tissues and of the configuration of alveolar septa under different circumstances of lung volume, of surface tension, and of smooth muscle tone. Standard stereological approaches are used as well as advanced techniques such as confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Publications

Oldmixon, E.H., J.P. Butler, and F.G. Hoppin, Jr. Dihedral angles between alveolar septa. J. Appl. Physiol., 64:299-307, 1988.

Oldmixon, E.H. and F.G. Hoppin, Jr. Lengths and topology of alveolar septal borders. J. Appl. Physiol., 67(5):1930-1940, 1989.

Oldmixon, E.H. and F.G. Hoppin, Jr. Distribution of elastin and collagen in canine alveolar parenchyma. J. Appl. Physiol. 67(5):1941-1949, 1989.