Vija  KLUSA

Born: September 5, 1940, Riga, Latvia

Interests:

• Molecular pharmacology,  neuropharmacology, neurochemistry
• Neuropeptides,  neuroprotectants, cognition enhancers
• Bioethics

Brief Description of Main Research:

Present studies: Pharmacological and Neurochemical studies on novel neuroprotectants and cognition enhancers; search for their cellular targets and regenerative abilities.  

The early 90th : Immunopeptide thymopentin as a novel neuroregulatory peptide

The 80th: Peptide and protein fragments and their linear and cyclic analogues as neuroimmunomodulators

The 70th: peptides (angiotensin, bradykinin, thyroliberin), their structure-activity relationships

1974-1990: Supervisor of screening programmes on new drug studies at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (angiotensinamide, midantane, acetylcysteine, desaminooxytocin. pentagastrin, dihypramine, cerebrocrast etc.)

The 60th: Studies on new N-cholinergic compounds, myorelaxant Dioxonium.

Languages: Latvian, English, Russian

Education:

• Riga Medical Institute (Faculty of General Medicine), 1964
• Postgraduate studies (pharmacology), Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 1964-1967
• PhD, Dr.med. (Candidate of Science in former USSR; Ph.D. in Western countries), Tartu University, Estonia, 1968
• Dr.habil.med. (Doctor of Science in former USSR), Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, FSU, 1984
• Post doctoral studies/advanced courses:

-  Peptide neurochemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden, 1992
- Memory pharmacology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czechoslovakian Academy of  Science, Prague, 1990
-  Stress pharmacology, Institute for Drug Research, Germany Academy of Sciences, Berlin, 1984
-  Vasoactive peptide pharmacology, Institute of Physiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, 1978
-  Psychopharmacology, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis,1968

Experience/Positions:

• Professor, University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine, Head Department of Pharmacology, 1998; Head Department of  Pharmacology
• Professor, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (IOS), 1993 -
• Head, Laboratory of Peptide Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, IOS, 1978-1987
• Head, Laboratory of Pharmacology, IOS, 1987- 1998
• Senior Research Associate, IOS, 1974-1978
• Junior Research Associate,  (IOS), 1968-1974

Honours :

• Full Member,  Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1992
• Corresponding Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1992
• Active Member, Academia Scientiarum et Artium Europaea (Salzburg, Austria), 2007
• Active Member, New York Academy of Sciences, 1995

Awards:

• 2008: Solomon Hiller Award (Latvian Academy of Sciences, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, JSC "Grindex",  Riga, Latvia)
• 2001: The Latvian Academy of Sciences and the JSC "Grindex" Prize, Golden Owl Medal
• 1998: Oswald Schmiedeberg Medal (Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia)
• 1998: David H.Grindel Medal (JSC "Grindex" , Riga, Latvia)
• 1997: Solomon Hiller Medal (Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia)
• 1996: Silver Medal, 20th Century Award for Achievement, International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England
• 1981: USSR State Prize: Research in Peptide and Protein Bioregulatory Substances 
• 1969, 1970, 1977, 1984:  The Latvian Academy of Sciences Presidium Prizes

Professional Activities and Memberships:

1)    Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS), and Latvian Council of Science (LCS):

• Chair and Member, Scientist's Ethics Committee at the LAS and LCS, 1998 -
• Member of Senate, LAS, 1996-
• Deputy Chair, Division of Chemical, Biological and Medical Sciences, LAS,  1996 -
• Chair, Ethics Committee for Laboratory Animal Use, Latvian Council of Science,1994 - 2004

2)    University of Latvia (LU):

• Chair, Advisory Board in Medicine,  2009 -
• Member, Court of Arbitration,   2009 -
• Chair, Examination Commission for masters and bachelours at the Pharmacy Study Programme, Faculty of Medicine, 2005 -
• Chair, Council of Professorship, Faculty of Medicine,  2001-
• Member of Dome, Faculty of Medicine , l998 - 2006
• Member, Council of the PhD fellowship studies, Faculty of Medicine, 2000 -
• Member, Council of Promotion in medicine, pharmacy and biology, 1998 -
• Chair, Examination Commission, for master and bachelor degree in pharmacy
• Member of Scientific Council, 1994 - 1999
• Member, Councilof the Study Programme for the Degree of Physician, Faculty of Medicine, 1998 -

3)    Other Scientific Organisations:

• Member of the National Judging Committees of the Baltic Assembly Prizes for Literature, the Arts and Science, 2004-
• Member of the National Judging Committee of the L’OREAL Baltic stipendium „Women in Science” ( UNESCO Latvian National Committee and Latvian Academy of Sciences), 2004 -
• Member, Scientific Programme, UNESCO/Latvian Academy of Sciences, Latvian National Committee, 2002 -
• Member of the Central Medical Ethics Committee (at the Cabinet of Ministers, Latvia), 1998 -
• President (1993-2002), Vice-President(2002 - ),   Balt-LASA (Baltic Laboratory Animal Science Association)
• Board member, FELASA (Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations), 1993 - 2002
• Governing Board member, ICLAS (International Council for Laboratory Animal Science), 1995 - 2003
• Member of the FELASA Working Group on Category B, 1998 - 2001
• President, Latvian Society of Pharmacology , 1994 -
• Member, European Neuropeptide Club, 1993 -
• Expert, Latvian Council of Science Expert Committee for Medical Sciences, 1991-
• Member, Scientific Council of Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, 1978 - 2000
• Member, Grindel’s Fraternity, 2000 -
• Member, National Geographic, 2002 - 2008

4)     Partipication in Organizing/Advisory Committees:

• Member of Advisory Committee, ENCP Conference, Tallin, Estonia, April 23-25, 2009
• Member of Organizing Committee, 6th Congress of Latvian Physicians, Riga, Latvia, June 19-21, 2009
• Chair, 35th Anniversary of the Latvian Society of Pharmacology, Riga, Latvia, April 27, 2007 
• Member of Scientific Committee, 3rd Congress of Russian Pharmacologists, St.Petersburg, Russia, Sept 23-27, 2007
• Member of International Organizing Committee, East-European Symposium"Central and Peripheral Neurotransmission", Varna, Bulgaria, Oct 5-9, 2005
• Chair, International Conference "Pharmacology in Latvia: Stepping into the 21st Century", Riga,  March 12-13, 2004 
• Member of Advisory Board, IUBMB (Vancouver, Canada), 2003
• Member, Epharnet (EU), 2000 - 2002
• Chair of the Annual Balt-LASA Conferences, 1994 - 2003
• Member of Advisory Board, EPHAR Congress (Budapest, 1999)
• Member, FELASA/ICLAS Committee for Courses in Animal Science for researchers of the East-European countries: Category C ( Budapest, Hungary,1998; Jurmala, Latvia, 1999 - local organiser), Category B (Riga, Latvia, 2002)
• Chair, International Conference "Trends in Neuroprotecrtive Drugs: Design, Pharmacology, Clinics", Riga, May 29-June 1, 1997
• Member of Programme Committee, FELASA 6th Conference, Basel, 1996
• Member of Programme Committee, Rudolph Buccheim Conference   (Tallinn, 1995)
• Chair, 1st National Course Cat.C, Basic Laboratory Animal Science, Riga, 1994
• Member, International Courses in Animal Science (1994, 1997 - Tartu, Estonia, 1996, 1999 -  Trakai, Lithuania)
• Official Delegate in the IUPHAR, 1994 -

   5)   Editorial Boards:

• Advances in Neuroimmunology (Pergamon Press), 1991-1996
• Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Part B, 1991 -
• Acta Medica Baltica, 1992- 1999
• Baltic Journal for Laboratory Animals, 1993 - 2003

Academic Courses    

• 1998 - :       Pharmacology, and Pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, for students, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia (LU)
• 1998 :          Cell Biology,  for students, Faculty of Medicine, LU
• 1995 -  :       Cell Signalling Pathways, for mastership students, Department of Organic Synthesis and Biotechnology, Riga Technical                       University
• 1995-   :  Molecular Pharmacology, for mastership students, Faculty of Biology, LU
• 1995-1999:  Biochemistry of Membranes and Hormones, for mastership students, Department of Organic Chemistry, LU
• 2000-2001:  Bioethics, for mastership students, Faculty of Biology, LU
• 1996 :           Neurochemistry, Advanced course in Psychotherapy, for psychiatrists and psychotherapeuts, Latvian Academy of Medicine                         (LMA)
• 1996:            Novel Drug Design and Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies, Advanced course in Pharmacy, for pharmacists, LMA
• 1995 :           Molecular Pharmacology, Advanced course, for lecturers of theoretical medicine departments,  LMA 
• 1994 :           Basic Laboratory Animal Science, the 1st National course  for young scientists  
• 1980-1995:   Experimental Pharmacology,  for students, Faculty of Biology, LU
• 1975-1976:   Peptidergic System, for students, Daugavpils Pedagogic Institute

Since 1978 -          Research Advisor for doctor's theses (15), mastership and bachelor theses (~ 50)

 

Publications:  more than 250; monographs 3; conference abstracts >500; patents 9; popular articles ~ 50; collections of papers 3.
Co-author (V.Klusa, M.Kule, E.Silins, J.Priedkalns, A.Silins, J.Stradins). Scientist's Code of Ethics, 1998,  Riga: Latvian Academy of Sciences, Latvian    Council of  Sciences, 15 pp.

    Recent/Representative Publications (selected from 2000 - ):

• Vija Klusa, Sergejs Isajevs, Darja Svirina, Jolanta Pupure, Ulrika Beitnere, Juris Rumaks, Simons Svirskis, Baiba Jansone, Zane Dzirkale, Ruta Muceniece, Ivars Kalvinsh, Harry V. Vinters. Neuroprotective Properties of Mildronate, a Small Molecule, in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. - Int.J.Mol.Sci., 2010, 11, 4465-4487; doi: 10.3390/ijms11114465.
• Jolanta Pupure, Sergejs Isajevs, Juris Rumaks, Simons Svirskis, Ivars Kalvinsh, Vija Klusa.  Neuroprotective properties of mildronate, a mitochondria-targeted small molecule. - Neurosci.Lett., 2010, 470, 100-105.
• Jelizaveta Sokolovska, Juris Rumaks,Nina Karajeva, Dace Grinvalde, Jelena Sharipova, Vija Klusa, Ivars Kalvinsh, and Nikolajs Sjakste. Influence of mildronate on some characteristics of glucose and lipid metabolism, and pheriperal neuropathy in rat streptozocin-induced diabetes model. - Biochemistry (Moscow), Supplement series B: Biomedical Chemistry, 2010; V. 4 (in press).
• J.Pupure, S.Isajevs, I.Kalvinsh, V.Klusa. Effects of mildronate in indinavir- and efavirenz-induced toxicity in mice. - Proc. Latvian Acad. Sci., Sect. B, 2010, Vol. 64, N 3/4 (668/669), pp. 20-25.
• J.Pupure, J.Rumaks, S.Isajevs, O.Korzakova, J.Puncule, S.Svirskis, I.Kalvinsh, V.Klusa. Mildronate's protective effects in peripheral nervous system: stavudine-induced neuropathy and formalin-induced inflammation. - Proc. Latvian Acad. Sci., Sect. B, 2010, Vol. 64, N 3/4 (668/669), pp. 26-30.
• Jansone B, Rumaks J, DzirkaleZ, Pupure J, Svirskis S, Muceniece R, Klusa V.  Gamma1-  and gamma2-melanocyte stimulating hormones induce central anxiogenic effects and potentiate ethanol withdrawal responses in the elevated plus-maze test in mice. - Pharmacol.Biochem.Behav., 2009 Apr; 92 (2), pp. 267-271.
• Pupure J, Isajevs S, Gordjushina V, Taivans I, Rumaks J, Svirskis S, Kratovska A, Dzirkale Z, Pilipenko J, Duburs G, Klusa V.  Distinct influence of atypical 1,4-dihydropyridine compounds in azidothymidine-induced neuro-  and cardiotoxicity in mice ex vivo. - Basic Clin. Pharmacol. Toxicol., 2008 Nov, 103 (5), pp. 401-406.
• Muceniece R, Saleniece K, Rumaks J, Krigere L, Dzirkale Z, Mezhapuke R, Zharkova O, Klusa V.  Betulin binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors and exerts anticonvulsant action in mice. -  Pharmacol.Biochem.Behav., 2008 Oct; 90 (4), pp. 712-716.
• Muceniece R, Saleniece K, Krigere L, Rumaks J, Dzirkale Z, Mezhapuke R, Kviesis J, Mekss P, Klusa V, Sciöth HB, Dambrova M.  Potato (Solanum tuberosum) juice exerts an anticolvulsant effect in mice through binding to GABA receptors. - Planta Med., 2008 Apr; 74 (5), pp. 491-496.
• Pupure J, Fernandes MA, Santos MS, Moreno AJ, Kalvinsh I, Klusa V, Oliveira CR.  Mitochondria as the targetfor mildronate's protective effects in azidothymidine(AZT)-induced toxicity of isolated rat liver mitochondria. - Cell Biochem.Funct., 2008 Sep-Oct: 26 (5), pp. 620-631.
• Sundberg BE, Wååg E, Jacobsson JA, Stephansson O, Rumaks J, Svirskis S, Alsiö J, Roman E, Ebendal T, Klusa V, Fredriksson R.  The evolutionary history and tissue maping of amino acid transporters belonging to solute carrier families SLC32, SLC36, and SLC38. - J. Mol. Neurosci., 2008 Jun; 35 (2), pp. 179-193.
• Klimaviciusa L, Safiulina D, Kaasik A, Klusa V, Zharkovsky A.  The effects of glutamate receptor antagonists on cerebral granule cell survival and development. - Neurotoxicology, 2008 Jan; 29 (1), pp. 101-108.
• Klusa V, Klimaviciusa L,  Duburs G,  Poikans J, Zharkovsky A. Anti-neurotoxic effects of tauropyrone, taurine analogue. - Adv.Exp. Med. Biol., 2006, N 583, pp. 499-508.
• Klusa V, Pupure J, Isajevs S, Rumaks J, Gordjushina V, Kratovska A, Taivans I, Svirskis S, Viksna L, Kalvinsh I.   Protection of azidothymidine-induced cardiopathology in mice by mildronate, a mitochondria-targeted drug.- Basic Clin. Pharmacol. Toxicol., 2006 Oct;  99 (4), pp. 323-328.
• Zvejniece L, Muceniece R, Krigere L, Dambrova M, Klusa VZ.  The differential influences of melanocortins on nociception in the formalin and tail flick tests. - Pharmacol.Biochem.Behav., 2006 Oct; 85 (2), pp.287-291.
• Vaitkuviene A, Ulinskaite A, Meskys R, Duburs G, Klusa V, Liutkevicius E.  Study of the interaction of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives with glucocorticoid hormone receptors from the rat liver. - Pharmacol Rep., 2006 Jul-Aug; 58 (4), pp. 551-558.
• Klimaviciusa L, Klusa V, Duburs G, Kaasik A, Kal;da A, Zharkovsky A. Distinct effects of atypical 1,4-dihydropyridines on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced toxicity. - Cell Biochem. Funct.,  2007 Jan-Feb;  25(1), pp.15-21.
• Krauze A, Vitolina R, Garaliene V,  Sile L, Klusa V, Duburs G.  3,4-trans-4-Aryl-3-(1-pyridinio)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine-6-thiolates -- new group of potential cardiotonic drugs. - Eur.J.Med.Chem., 2005 Nov; 40 (11), pp. 1163-1167.
• Jansone B, Bergstrom L, Svirskis S, Lindblom J, Klusa V, Wikberg JES. Opposite effects of g1- and g2-MSH on regulation of the dopaminergic mesolimbic system in rats. - Neurosci. Lett., 2004, 361(1-3), pp. 68-71.
• Klusa V, Jansone B, Svirskis S, Rumaks J, Meceniece R. The fundamental role of melanocortins in brain processes. In: Chemical Probes in Biology (Ed.M. Schneider) KLUWER Academic Publishers, 2003, pp. 255-267.
• Klegeris A, Liutkevicius E, Mikalauskiene G, Duburs G, McGeer PL, Klusa V. Anti-inflammatory effects of cerebrocrast in a model of rat paw edema and on mononuclear THP-1 cells. - European J. Pharmacology, 2002 Apr;  441 (3), pp.203-208.
• Klusa V, Germane S, Nöldner M, Chatterjee SS. Hypericum extract and hyperforin: memory-enchancing properties in rodents. - Pharmacopsychiatry, 2001 Jul: Supl 1: S61-9.
• Lindblom J, Opmane B, Mutulis F, Mutule I, Petrovska R, Klusa V, Bergström L, Wikberg JE.  The MC4 receptor mediates alpha -MSH induced release of nucleus accumbens dopamine. - Neuroreport, 2001 Jul; 12 (10), pp. 2155-2158.
• Klusa V, Germane S, Svirskis S, Wikberg JE. The g2-MSH peptide mediates central analgesic effect via aGABA-ergic mechanism that is independent from activation of melanocortin receptors. - Neuropeptides, 2001Feb; 35 (1), pp. 50-57.
• Nevalainen T, Dontas I, Forslid A, Howard BR, Klusa V, Kasermann HP, Melloni E, Nebendahl K, Stafleu FR, Vergara P, Verstegen J.  FELASA recommendations for the education and training of persons carrying out animal experiments (Category B). Report of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations Working Group on Education of Persons Carrying out Animal Experiments (Category B) accepted by the FELASA Board of Management. - Lab. Anim., 2000 Jul; 34 (3), pp.229-235.     

Research Projects

    Projects (Head of Projects) financed by the Latvian Council of Science (LCS) , and University of Latvia (LU):

• 2009 -   :   LCS grant Nr 09.1025 (LU Nr. Z-6173-840).   Regenerative Effects of Mitochondria-targeted Small Molecules in Neurodegeneration        Models. 
• 2009     :   LU project LU-2009/ZP-94.    Neuroglial Cells as Targets for Neuroprotective Drugs.
• 2005-2008: LCS grant Nr 05.1418 (LU Nr 836) New Strategies in the Prevention of Anti-HIV Therapy-induced Neuro- and Myopathies Induced by   anti-HIV Therapy.
• 2007-2008: LU research grant Nr 2007/ZP-28. Mitochondria-targeted Pharmacotherapeutic Effectivity in Multiple Sclerosis Model.
• 2006     :      LU research grant. Stress-induced Disturbances in Neurochemical Processes and Possibilities of THeir Protection/Reversion: Mitochondria as Targets. 
• 2001-2004: LCS grant Nr 01.0037 (LU Nr 459). Melanocortins as Regulators of Drug Dependence-induced Alterations in Behavioural and Neurochemical Processes.
• 2004-2005: LU research grants 2004/LU3 and 2005/7-LU. Studies on Melanocortinergic Signalling Mechanisms of Drug Dependence-inducing Substances.
• 1997-2000: LCS grant Nr 96.698. Amino Acid-containing Peptidomimetics: Studies on Their Neurotrophic and Antineurotoxic Mechanisms.
• 1994-1996: LCS grant Nr 93.439. Novel Type of Cognition Stimulants: Behavioural and Intracellular Processes.
• 1991-1993: LCS grant Nr 90.428. Studies on Nerve and Myocardial Cell Functioning in Hypoxia, Aging and Other Aversive States, and Search for Endogenous and Exogenous Correctors.

    International Projects:

• 2005-2009:  EU COST D34 project. Molecular Targeting and Drug Design in Neurological and Bacterial Diseases. (Subcontractor)
• 2004-2007:  EU COST D29 project. Design for Sustainable and/or Green Biologically Important Agents. (Subcontractor) 
• 2003-2004: EU Project MedNatNet . Subcontractor )
• 2001-2003: EU COST 13 project. Novel Peptidomimetic Type Substances with Neuroprotective Properties. (Subcontractor)
• 2000-2002: Project No 1874. Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the University of Latvia and University of Uppsala. (Head)
• 1995-2000: Howard Hughes Medical Institute(USA) grant HHMI N75195-542601. Pharmacological Sudies on Melanocortin Receptor Subtypes(Head)
• 1995-1997: EU COPERNICUS grant. Investigation and Elaboration of novel Chiral Drugs for Biotechnological Procedures. (Subcontractor)
• 1994-1996: KIRT (Research collaboration between Karolinska Institute and Baltic countries) projects: (1994) -Peptide-mimicking Substances: Role of the "free" and "crypto" Amino Acids in Memory Improving Activity.); (1995, 1996) - Neuroactive Amino Acid Containing Peptidoimetics: Focus on the Neurotransmitter Mechanisms. (Head)  
• 1993-1995:  EU PECO grant. Pathology of the Nervous System in HIV Infection. (Subcontractor)
• 1979-1989:  Multilateral programmes (between socialistic countries) INTERMOZG and INTERVISCERA (Head of projects at the Institute of Organic Synthesis, Latvian SSR Academy of Sciences)

    Other Projects:

• 2008:   Agreement Nr 2008/2467 between LU and JSC OlainFarm. Neuromidin Studies in Diabetic Neuropathy Model.
• 2007:   Agreement Nr 2362 between LU and JSC Grindex. Assesment of the Therapeutic/protective Activity of Mildronate in Different anti-HIV Drug-induced Cardio-, Neuro-, and Hepatotoxicity Models.
• 2007:   Agreement Nr 2376 between LU and JSC Grindex. Studies on the Neuroprotective Activity of novel Cerebrocrast  Analogues in vivo.
• 2007:   Agreement Nr 2377 between LU and JSC Grindex.   Assessment of Mildronate's Therapeutic Effectivity in Stavudine-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Model in Rats.
• 2006:   Agreement with Latvian Institute of Organi Synthsis in collaboration with JSC Grindex. Protective effects of Mildronate in Anti-HIV Therapy-induced Cardio- and Neuropathies.    

The most important lectures/guest lectures:  

• Lecture "" Meldonium: neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disease models", JSC "Olainfarm" Conference, Riga, December 11, 2010
• Plenary lecture: Forsight in the 21st century medicine science. The 6th Congress of Latvian Physicians, Riga, Latvia, June 19, 2009
• Plenary lecture: Neurodegenerative diseases and neuroprotection: looking to the future. The 5th Baltic Congress of Neurology, Riga, Latvia, June 1-3, 2006
• Neuroprotective effects of tauropyrone: in vitro data. The 1st WG meeting of COST D34/005/05 "Targeting of taurine and its analogues to protect against oxidative stress", Dublin, Ireland , December 2-4, 2005 .
• Pharmacological modelling to search for actions and targets of novel compounds. Meeting of WG COST 2, Prague, Czech Republic, March 18-19, 2005
• Neuroprotective Action of Novel Peptidomimetic Substances: Targets and Mechanisms”. Final Meeting of Working Group COST 13, Louvain-la Neuve, Belgium, September 24-27, 2004.
• Bioethics Commitees and Bioethics Education in Latvia.  University of Turku, , Turku, Finland, November 11-12, 2004.
• Melanocortins and their role in cell signaling processes. University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, April 11, 2003.   
• Role of melanocortins in CNS function regulations. University of Helsinki, Department of Cognitive Research, Finland, 2002  
• Bioethics committees and education in bioethics in Latvia. Norway & Baltic countries Conference "Ethics in Research", Sigulda, Latvia, September 5-7, 2002
• Melanocortins and their roles in cell signalling processes. 200th Anniversary Conference of the department of Pharmacology, University of Tartu, Estonia, October 11, 2002.
• Ethics un science: necessary training for researchers. EC Conference "Ethics in Research and Science. Situation and perspectives in the Candidate Countries to the EU, Bratislava, Slovak Republic, March 17-19, 2002.
• Neurodegeneration and Neuroprotective Drugs. Academic lecture at the receiving of    D.H. Grindel  Medal  , Joint Stock Company GRINDEX, Riga, Latvia, 1998
• Pharmacology of amino acid-containing peptidomimetic substances. Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany, 1997
• Amino Acid Containing Dihydropyridines: Design and Pharmacology. Karolinska Institute, Dept. Neurobiology, Stockholm, Sweden, 1996
• Thymopentin: a Neuroregulatory Peptide. University of Kuopio, Finland, 1993
• Peptidergic Pathways in Neuroimmunoregulation. Stockholm University, Dept.Neurochemistry, May 1992; Invited lecture, KABI, Stockholm,   1992
• Neuroregulatory Properties of Thymopentin. Invited lecture. Dr.Willmar Schwabe Arzneimittel, Karlsruhe, Germany,   1992
• Novel pathways in neuroimmunological regulations.   Immunobiological Research Institute, Anandale, New Jersey, USA, 1991

Other information:

Widow,  son Andris,   grand-children Linda and Karlis. Hobbies: music, literature.

Last update 18-01-2011 09:15:45