Dean A. Myers, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and The John W. Records Chair
Section of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Education

B.S.     Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, 1981, Animal Science

M.S.     University of Wyoming, Laramie WY, 1983; Reproductive Biology

Ph.D.   University of Wyoming, Laramie WY, 1987; Reproductive Biology/Biochemistry

Post-doctoral training 

1987-90; NIH Post-doctoral fellowship, Laboratory for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

1990-93 Research Associate. Laboratory for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Cornell  University, Ithaca NY

Professional appointments

1993-1994; Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Cornell University, Ithaca NY

1994-2000; Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, OUHSC

2001-2007; Associate Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OUHSC

Research Interests.

Project 1. Hypoxia and fetal development.

A major research goal of my laboratory is deciphering how an adverse intrauterine environment effects the development and well being of the fetus.  It is imperative for Obstetricians to understand how the physiological systems in a fetus are altered by changes that occur in the mother and placenta in high-risk pregnancies.  Short bouts of fetal hypoxia are common in uncomplicated pregnancies, as the result of non-delivery associated uterine contractions that transiently decrease uterine blood flow.  A developing fetus has the capacity to adequately deal with this type of mild short duration hypoxia.  However, chronic fetal hypoxia, caused by factors such as preterm labor, preeclampsia and placental abruptions occurs in greater than 10% of all pregnancies.  In collaboration with the Loma Linda Center for Perinatal Biology and the Barcroft Laboratory, White Mountain High Altitude Research Station in Bishop, CA, we are studying the effect of chronic hypoxia on the developing fetus.  This research uses high altitude to induce long-term moderate hypoxia in the developing fetus.  Using this model we have found that long-term moderate hypoxia has major effects on development and function of the fetal adrenal gland. The fetal adrenal cortex synthesizes cortisol, a corticosteroid, during late gestation.  Fetal corticosteroids are essential for the maturation of critical organ systems (eg. lung, gut, kidney, brain) for survival of the neonate at birth. The adrenal medulla synthesizes catecholamines which are essential for regulating the cardiovascular system as well as thermiogenesis in the newborn. Chronic hypoxia alters development of both the adrenal cortex and medulla.  We are deciphering the mechanisms via which hypoxia alters adrenal development and the subsequent effects on both the fetus and newborn.  Finally, we have found that fetal adipose tissue development is altered in response to long-term hypoxia.  Fetal adipose is essential for helping the newborn control body temperature post-birth.  Our findings will help in treating the unborn fetus and the newly born neonate in compromised pregnancies.

Project 2. Synthetic corticosteroids and programming of adult disease.

Slightly more than one in ten pregnancies will end in preterm labor and delivery of a premature fetus at high risk for neonatal mortality and morbidity.  Currently, pregnant women experiencing preterm labor are treated with synthetic corticosteroids such as betamethasone.  These steroids cross the placenta and mature fetal organ systems dramatically increasing the chances of survival of a prematurely born fetus.  It has recently become noted that for all the benefits of these synthetic corticosteroids, some side effects are observed.  These effects are usually not seen until later in life and increase the risk of individual for hypertension, type II diabetes, obesity, hypercortisolism and anxiety disorders.  We are performing research to identify these synthetic steroids ‘program’ the treated individual to acquire these traits and by doing so, hope to develop means to intervene and prevent these side effects of synthetic steroids from developing.  The absolute benefit of using antenatal steroids to save the premature infant demands the continued use of these compounds, thus our research will help these individuals and their future physicians maintain their optimal health as adults.