University of Florida · PhysiologyBolser Lab
Donald C Bolser · Gainesville, Florida
Research Focus
Dr. Donald C. Bolser's lab at the University of Florida focuses on understanding how opioids affect the larynx's ability to protect the airways from aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia. The research involves analyzing central nervous system pathways that control laryngeal reflexes, especially during opioid use, to develop new models that can predict the impact of drugs on airway protection. This work aims to provide critical insights into the neurobiology of laryngeal function and improve clinical outcomes for vulnerable populations such as older adults.
laryngeal adductionopioid effectsneuromechanicsairway protectionaspiration pneumoniareflex pathwaysneurogenesismotor coordinationdrug interactions
Research Aims
5AIM 01Identify the neural network regulating laryngeal adduction reflex.
AIM 02Determine the effect of opioids on pathways controlling vocal fold movements.
AIM 03Develop a neuromechanical model of vocal fold coordination.
AIM 04Study the impact of drug-induced changes on airway protective behaviors.
AIM 05Investigate the sensitivity of central reflex pathways involved in laryngeal function.
Skills the Lab Values
neural network modelingelectrical stimulation techniquescell culturedata analysisanimal behavior assessmentanatomical tracingpharmacological assessmentsphysiological measurement techniquesfunctional neuroimaging
Output against the department
Publications267top 20% of dept.58th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations9.4ktop 36% of dept.103rd of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.