The research interests of the Division include the pathophysiologic basis of abnormal gas exchange in the lungs and peripheral tissues, the inter-relationship between respiratory and cardiac function, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sepsis, and the pathophysiology of sleep related disorders. The role of macrophage in scleroderma lung disease is an area collaboration between the Division and the Division of Rheumatology and Immunogenetics. The Division is also studying the influences of respiratory muscle function and ventilatory control on breathing and weaning from mechanical ventilation.

     This an active program of clinical sleep research concerning sleep-disordered breathing and the sleep-disorders associated with traumatic brain injury, stroke, renal or liver disease, gastroesophegeal reflux, neoplastic disease, morbid obesity and also genetics of sleep disorders.