The research team is mainly interested in the paracrine regulation of blood vessel tone. More specifically research is performed on the characteristics, mechanisms of action and identity of some vasoactive molecules released from endothelial cells, retinal tissue, non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerves and fat tissue. For this purpose several techniques are applied such as measurement of contractility of small isolated blood vessels in vitro, biochemical measurement of second messengers (cAMP and cGMP) in blood vessels, bio-assay technique for endogenous vasoactive molecules, in vivo measurements of cardiovascular parameters and erectile function in mice. Research also involves the influence of oxidative stress and antioxidants (polyphenols) on the paracrine effects.