David T. Tanaka, MD

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Services

• Emergency Services

Department / Division:
Pediatrics / Neonatology

Address:
DUMC 3179
Durham, NC 27710

Appointment Telephone:
(919) 668-1592

Office Telephone:
(919) 681-6033

Fax Telephone:
(919) 681-6065

• M.D., Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Maryland, 1979

• Pediatrics, University of Colorado, 1979-82
• Neonatology/Pediatric Pulmonology, University of Colorado, 1982-85

Clinical Interests:
High-risk neonatal care, financial process analysis

Research Interests:
Our laboratory examines the role of neurokinins in the regulation of airway and vascular smooth muscle tone.  This past year we: 1) found that the regional distribution of NK subtype receptors in 2 week old rabbit airways was similar to our previously reported findings in adult rabbit airways; and 2) published new evidence that desensitization of the NK-1 receptor affects the peptide's ability to directly constrict airway smooth muscle, but does not affect its neuromodulatory activity.  
Our laboratory is also studying the neuromodulatory effects of diuretics and other ion channel drugs in both adult and immature airways.  In this connection, we have found evidence that aminoglycosides are potent inhibitors of neurally-mediated airway smooth muscle contraction. and have published new evidence which indicates that cholorthiazide can modulate acetylcholinesterase activity.  
Current clinical research interests involve examining the effects of aerosolized drugs (non-adrenergic) in cystic fibrosis, the potential use of nasal pressure assist control in the human neonate and participation in multi-center trials in the potential uses and hazards of nitric oxide in the human neonate.
Current administrative research interests includes revenue analysis for the division and hospital as well as management engineering analysis for bed utilization.  Accomplishments to date include elimination of $2 million debt in ICN, initiation of PDC pilot project and acceptance of modelling approach with hospital management engineering; identification and allocatuion of medicaid supplemental payments (est. $4-5 million).