U.S. - Japan Biomedical Research Laboratories

U.S.-Japan Biomedical Research Laboratories (USJBRL) at the F. Edward Hebert Research Center of Tulane University, whose researchers focus on neuroendocrinology and neuroimmunology were established in 1985 with generous support from the Japanese community. The 500-acre Hebert Center is located approximately twenty minutes southeast of New Orleans and Tulane's main campus and Health Sciences Center.

USJBRL's strength in neuroscience research rests firmly on many breakthroughs in the study of neuropeptides, such as the more recently discovery of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating-polypeptide (PACAP) by Dr. Akira Arimura, M.D., Ph.D., director of the USJBRL and professor of medicine in neuroendocrinology. Staff researchers and corporate sponsors enjoy a wealth of practical advantages as well as significant quality-of-life opportunity of life science research included the discovery of PACAP, characterization of its gene and receptors, and the first demonstration of its neuroprotective action in an animal model of stroke. Dr. Arimura is also a leader in research on neuroendocrine-immune interaction.

The current research at the USJBRL focuses on four topics: (1) neuroprotective action of PACAP; (2) PACAP and its receptors in the testis; (3) Neuroendocrine immune interaction in cytokines response during stress; (4) the study of the anti-tumor action of sodium benzylidene-ascorbate (SBA). The USJBRL are christened to symbolize the bright hopes of a new era - a fresh multinational approach to basic research in neuroscience.

• History
• Mission
• Discovery of PACAP
• Current Research Projects
• Personnel
• Neuroscience Program

Further information can be obtained from the USJBRL, Tulane University Hebert Center, 3705 Main Street, Bldg.#30, Belle Chasse, LA, 70037; Tel (504) 394-7199 Fax (504) 394-7169; Email: arimura@tulane.edu.