Majid Sheykhzade

Knowledge of languages

Danish (fluent), English (fluent), Persian / Farsi (mother tongue), Azerbaijanian (mother tongue) and Turkish (fluent)

Primary fields of research

Throughout my academic career, I have been focusing on the regulation of vascular tone in health and disease (diabetes type I & II, stroke, hypertension, congestive Heart Failure, migraine and age-related changes).

Coronary arteries are densely innervated by sensory nerve endings containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP is a potent naturally occuring 37 amino acid vasodilatory neuropeptide which is released from the perivascular sensory nerve endings in the wall of flow regulating intramural coronary arteries during hypoxia and by low pH levels in the myocardium, thus suggesting a vasodilatory role under ischemic conditions.

Receptor subtypes for CGRP, the intracellular signalling pathways and the mechanism behind CGRP-induced desensitization and neuronal reuptake are still under investigation in both resistance and conductance arteries of different species including human. So far, these studies clearly demonstrate a larger CGRP receptor density in resistance arteries (internal lumen diameter < 200 µm) compared to larger conductance arteries (internal lumen diameter > 200 µm), indicating that receptor distribution, calcium handling, ion channels and second messengers may be finely adjusted within the circulatory system, probably reflecting the physiological demands on the vascular segments.

CGRP receptor consists of three components, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR), a specific chaperone called receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) and receptor component protein (RCP). A novel family of chaperone proteins, called RAMPs (RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3) were identified as proteins escorting CLR to the plasma membrane to generate either CGRP (when associated with RAMP1) or adrenomedullin receptors (when associated with RAMP2 or RAMP3). CLR belongs to class B of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and is linked to G_s protein. It was recently reported that the small non-peptide CGRP receptor antagonists (olcegepant and telcagepant) act by blocking access of CGRP to the peptide-binding cleft at the interface of CLR and RAMP1.

Our recent studies on isolated human subcutaneous arteries clearly show that key components of the CGRP receptor (CLR and RAMP1) are located on both smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Despite the presence of functional endothelium in these human vessels (verified by functional studies using carbachol, substance P and bradykinin), the contribution of the endothelium to CGRP-induced vasodilation seems to be insignificant. Perhaps, the CGRP receptors located on the endothelium have different biological effects than being directly involved in the vasomotor control or the density of CGRP receptors are significantly higher on smooth muscle cells compared with the endothelium. Recent studies have shown that CGRP acts as a pro-angiogenic growth factor by increasing the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and expression of focal adhesion kinase, thereby contributing to remodelling.

In addition, our most recent studies on CGRP receptor signaling show a synergism between smooth muscle Kv7.4/7.5 channels and CGRP-induced vasodilation in isolated human subcutaneous arteries so that CGRP-induced vasodilation becomes more potent and prolonged. However, XE-991 dihydrochloride (a non-selective blocker of KCNQ channels) was not able to block the CGRP-induced vasodilation in these vessels. Furthermore, our recent studies in human subcutaneous arteries using 10 microM Gallein indicate involvement of Beta-gamma subunit of G-protein in intracellular signaling pathway leading to vasodilation perhaps via activation of potassium channels.

These studies will shed light on the complex structure of CGRP receptor as well as its complex signalling pathway, thereby helping us understand its physiology as well as its role under different circulatory complications such as stroke, ischemia, hypertension and migraine.

CV

Education:

Master of Science in Pharmacy (Cand. Pharm.), Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, September 1987 - February 1993.

Academic degree:

Ph.D., Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, 21. December 2000: "Characterization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor subtype and function in rat coronary arteries". PhD-study has resulted in 6 Peer-reviewed publications in well reputed journals. 

PhD-education was exclusively financed by external grants (self-financing):
June 1996, research grant covering lab running expenses (50.000 D.kr.) received from Danish Heart Association (96-1-3-64-22386).
October 1996, research grant covering lab running expenses  (25.000 D.kr.) received from Novo Nordisk foundation.
June 1997, research grant covering 6 months salary received from Danish Heart Association (97-1-1-15-22503).
October 1998, research grant covering lab running expenses (30.000 D.kr.) received from Novo Nordisk foundation.
December 1998, research grant covering 18 months salary received from Danish Heart Association (98-2-2-19-22636).
December 1999, research grant covering lab running expenses (75.000 D.kr.) received from Danish Heart Association (99-2-2-34-22741).

Current employment:

Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (New Name: Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (New Name: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences), University of Copenhagen, 1. April 2004 - present.

Previous employments:

1. February 2001 - 31. March 2004, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology, Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

4. July 2000 - 31. January 2001, Amanuensis at the Dept. of Pharmacology, Royal Danish School of Pharmacy.

1. April 1997 - 29. February 1998, Student advisor for foreign students, Royal Danish School of Pharmacy.

1. July 1995 - 30. December 1995, Clinical data management and monitoring, Medical Department, IPSEN Scandinavia A/S

15. August 1994 - 30. June 1995, Department of Regulatory Affairs, IPSEN Scandinavia A/S

11. April 1994 - 11. August 1994, Pharmacist responsible for aseptic and sterile manufacturing of drugs, Bispebjerg Hospital Pharmacy.

Awards:

Recipient of the award for the best teacher of the year in both 2005 and 2008 at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen:

1)- https://pharmaschool.ku.dk/dokumenter/dokumenter-2018/plexus/2005_plexus_dec.pdf

2)- https://pharmaschool.ku.dk/dokumenter/dokumenter-2018/plexus/2008_plexus_dec.pdf

In November 2012, after the merger between FARMA and the Faculty of health Science, I was nominated among top 10 candidates for receiving the annual HARALD teaching award (Årets Harald) at the University of Copenhagen.

Organizer of scientific meetings:

1- Coorganizer of IUPHAR Teaching Section in Copenhagen, Denmark: Pre-Conference Satellite Meeting to WorldPharma 2010, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 17.-18. July 2010.

2- Coorganizer of the 4th International Symposium on Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP 2001), The Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Septembar 28-30, 2001. Meeting report has been published in TIPS: CGRP receptors: a headache to study, but will antagonists prove therapeutic in migraine? Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2002, vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 51-53.

Invited lectures (Scandinavia):

1- The Scandinavian Physiological Society - Annual Meeting, August 14-16, 2009, Uppsala, Sweden. The title of talk: calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors and signaling pathway in vasculature.

2- DARC (Danish Arrhythmia Research Centre) Annual Symposium, November 2^nd, 2006, Henrik Dam Auditorium, The Panum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark, Organizer: Prof. Søren-Peter Olesen (http://darc.ku.dk/events_and_meetings/past_events/2006/). The title of talk: vascular tone in health and disease

3- Biologue Matchmaking meeting within the field of cardiovascular diseases held at NeuroSearch A/S and chaired by Prof. Søren-Peter Olesen, 25. November 2005. The title of talk: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP): Cardiovascular effects and potential therapeutic applications.

Expert referee work:

• British Journal of Pharmacology
• European Journal of Pharmacology
• Vascular Pharmacology
• PlOS ONE
• Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
• Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - Elsevier
• Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
• Neuroscience Letters
• Nanotoxicology

Member of Societies:

1- British Pharmacological Society (BPS)

2- Scandinavian Physiological Society (SPS)

3- The Danish Society of Toxicology and Pharmacology (DSTF).

4- Danish Cardiovascular Research Academy (DaCRA).

5- Danish Heart association (Hjerteforeningen: 781694).

6- Pharmadanmark

Bibliography:

1994:

1. SEYEDIN, A., SHEYKHZADE, M., and HERMANSEN, K. (1994). THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM FROM MICE AS A MODEL TO STUDY ANTHRACYCLINE CARDIOTOXICITY. Br. J. Pharmacol., 111 (Supplement S): P275-P275.

1998:

2. Sheykhzade, M. and Nyborg, N.C. (1998). Caliber dependent calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced relaxation in rat coronary arteries: effect of K+ on the tachyphylaxis. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 351: 53-59.

3. Sheykhzade, M. and Nyborg, N.C. (1998). Characterization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors in intramural coronary arteries from male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Br. J. Pharmacol., 123:1464-1470.

1999:

4. Nyborg, N.C. and Sheykhzade, M. (1999). Regulering af hjertets blodkar ved kredsløbslidelser. In Lægemiddelforskning edited by the Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Copenhagen, pp. 16-17.

2000:

5. Sheykhzade, M., Dalsgaard, G.T., Johansen, T. and Nyborg, N.C. (2000). The effect of long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes on contractile and relaxation responses of coronary arteries: selective attenuation of CGRP-induced relaxations. Br. J. Pharmacol., 129: 1212-1218.

6. Sheykhzade, M. and Nyborg, N.C.B. (2000). CGRP receptors in rat intra­mural left coronary arteries. In The CGRP Family: Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), Amylin, and Adrenomedullin ed. Poyner, D., Marshall, I. & Brain, S.D. pp. 177-178. Texas: Landes Bioscience.

7. Sheykhzade, M. and Nyborg, N.C. (2000). Non-competitive antagonism of amylin on CGRP(1)-receptors in rat coronary small arteries. Br. J. Pharmacol., 130: 386-390.

2001:

8. Sheykhzade, M. and Nyborg, N.C. (2001). Mechanism of CGRP-induced relaxation in rat intramural coronary arteries. Br. J. Pharmacol., 132: 1235 - 1246.

2002:

9. Trautner, S., Amtorp, O., Boesgaard, S., Haunso, S., and Sheykhzade, M. (2002). Cytosolic Ca2+ and force in femoral small resistance arteries from rats with congestive heart failure. Effect of exogenous noradrenaline. European Heart Journal, 23 (Supplement S): 371-371.

2003:

10. Trautner, S. and Sheykhzade, M. (2003). Når kroppen overreagerer ved kronisk hjertesvigt. In Lægemiddelforskning edited by the Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Copenhagen, pp. 28-29.

2004:

11. Sheykhzade, M. and Nyborg, N.C.B. (2004). Homologous desensitization of calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced relaxation in rat intramural coronary arteries. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 484: 91-101.

12. Simonsen, A. H., Sheykhzade, M. and Nyborg, N.C. (2004). Age- and endothelium-dependent changes in coronary artery reactivity to serotonin and calcium. Vascular Pharmacology, 41: 43 - 49.

13. Sheykhzade, M., Lind, H. and Edvinsson, L. (2004). Noncompetitive antagonism of BIBN4096BS on CGRP-induced responses in human subcutaneous arteries. Br. J. Pharmacol., 143: 1066-1073.

2006:

14. Trautner, S., Amtorp, O., Boesgaard, S., Andersen, C.B., Galbo, H., Haunsø, S. and Sheykhzade, M. (2006). Ca(2+) sensitisation of force production by noradrenaline in femoral conductance and resistance arteries from rats with postinfarction congestive heart failure. Vascular Pharmacology, 44: 43 - 49.

15. Trautner, S., Amtorp, O., Boesgaard, S., Andersen, C.B., Galbo, H., Haunsø, S. and Sheykhzade, M. (2006). Noradrenaline-induced increases in calcium and tension in skeletal muscle conductance and resistance arteries from rats with post-infarction heart failure. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 537: 143 - 154.

16. Blom, I.V.D., Clausen, J.T., Hansen, A.J., Hasselager, E., Olsen, U.B., Sheykhzade, M. (2006). Effects of IL-20 in relation to angiogenesis. Vascular Pharmacology, 45(3): e37 - e44.

17. Pedersen, S. H., Nielsen, L.B., Mortensen, A., Sheykhzade, M., Nilas, L. and Ottesen, B. (2006). Medroxyprogesterone acetate attenuates long-term effects of 17beta-estradiol in coronary arteries from hyperlipidemic rabbits. Steroids, 71: 834-842.

2007:

18. Hansen, C.S., Sheykhzade, M., Moller, P., Folkmann, J.K., Amtorp, O., Jonassen, T. and Loft, S. (2007). Diesel exhaust particles induce endothelial dysfunction in apoE-/- mice. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 219: 24 - 31.

19. Smajilovic, S., Sheykhzade, M., Holmegard, H.N., H., Haunsø, S. and Tfelft-Hansen, J. (2007). Calcimimetic, AMG 073, induces relaxation on isolated rat aorta. Vascular Pharmacology, 47: 222 - 228.

20. Kamp Nielsen, C., Sheykhzade, M., Heegaard, A.M., Bjerrum, O.J. (2007). Smerteforskning, chili con carne og fluorescerende stoffer. In Lægemiddelforskning edited by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, pp. 26-27.

2008:

21. Sheykhzade, M., Smajilovic, S., Issa, A., Haunsø, S., Christensen, S.B. and Tfelft-Hansen, J. (2008). S-petasin and butterbur lactones dilate vessels through blockage of voltage gated calcium channels and block DNA synthesis. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 593: 79 - 86.

22. Ploug, K.B., Sørensen, M.A., Strøbech, L., Klaerke, D.A., Hay-Schmidt, A., Issa, A., Haunsø, S., Sheykhzade, M., Olesen, J. Jansen-Olesen, I. (2008). K ATP channels in pig and human intracranial arteries. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 601: 43 - 49.

23. Ghorbani , M.L.M., Fjalland, B., Sheykhzade, M., Nyborg, N.C.B. (2008). Ufølsomme hjerter i livsfare. In Lægemiddelforskning edited by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, pp. 49-51.

2009:

24. Vesterdal, L.K., Folkmann, J.K., Jacobsen, N.R., Sheykhzade, M., Wallin, H., Loft S., and Moller, P. (2009). Modest vasomotor dysfunction induced by low doses of C60 fullerenes in apolipoprotein E knockout mice with different degree of atherosclerosis. Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 6: 5.

2010:

25. Rode, F., Svalø, J., Sheykhzade, M., Rønn, L.C. (2010). Functional effects of the KCNQ modulators retigabine and XE991 in the rat urinary bladder. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 638(1-3):121-127.

26. Ghorbani, B., Holmstrup, P., Edvinsson, L., Kristiansen, K.A., Sheykhzade, M. (2010). LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis increases the sensitivity of contractile response mediated by endothelin-B (ET(B)) receptors in cultured endothelium-intact rat coronary arteries. Vascular Pharmacology, 53(5-6): 250-257.

27. Gupta, S., Amrutkar, D.V., Mataji, A., Salmasi, H., Hay-Schmidt, A., Sheykhzade, M., Messlinger, K., Olesen, J., Jansen-Olesen, I. (2010). Evidence for CGRP re-uptake in rat dura mater encephali. Br. J. Pharmacol., 161(8): 1885-1898.

28. Vesterdal, L.K., Folkmann, J.K., Jacobsen, N.R., Sheykhzade, M., Wallin, H., Loft, S., Moller, P. (2010). Pulmonary exposure to carbon black nanoparticles and vascular effects. Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 7(1): 33. 

29. Rasmussen, M.N.P., Hornbak, M., Edvinsson, L., and Sheykhzade, M. (2010). LOCAL ENHANCED CONTRACTILE RESPONSE OF ETB, 5-HT1B AND AT1 RECEPTORS FOLLOWING DISTAL FOCAL PERMANENT OCCLUSION. Hypertension, 56 (6): 1170-1170. 

30. Skovsted G.F., Pedersen, A.F., Sheykhzade, M., and Edvinsson, L. (2010). RAPID TRANSCRIPTIONAL UPREGULATION OF ETB RECEPTORS IN RAT CORONARY ARTERIES DURING MYOGRAPH STUDIES. Hypertension, 56 (6): 1170-1170. 

2011:

31. Sheykhzade, M., Gupta, S., Sørensen, T., Sørensen, O.A., Koch, H., Boonen, H.C., Back, O., Fjalland, B. (2011). Characterization of capsaicin induced responses in mice vas deferens: evidence of CGRP uptake. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 667: 375-382.

32. Ghorbani, M.L., Qin, C., Wu, M., Farber, J.P., Sheykhzade, M., Fjalland, B., Nyborg, N.C., Foreman, R.D. (2011). Characterization of upper thoracic spinal neurons receiving noxious cardiac and/or somatic inputs in diabetic rats. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical, 165(2):168-177.

33. Svaloe, J., Hansen, H.H., Rønn, L.C., Sheykhzade, M., Munro, G., Rode, F. (2011). K(v) 7 Positive Modulators Reduce Detrusor Overactivity and Increase Bladder Capacity in Rats. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 110:145-153, doi: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2011.00765.x.

34. Mikkelsen, L, Sheykhzade, M., Jensen, K.A., Saber, A.T., Jacobsen, N.R., Vogel, U., Wallin, H., Loft, S., Moller, P. (2011). Modest effect on plaque progression and vasodilatory function in atherosclerosis-prone mice exposed to nanosized TiO2. Part Fibre Toxicol. 8(1):32.  

35. Skovsted, G.F., Sheykhzade, M., Trautner, S. and Edvinsson, L. (2011). Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion induces upregulation of contractile endothelin ET_B receptor in rat coronary arteries. The Twelfth International Conference on Endothelin, Proceedings of the British Pharmacological Society. 

2012:

36. Munro, G., Storm, A., Hansen, M.K., Dyhr, H., Marcher, L., Erichsen, H.K., Sheykhzade, M.  (2012). The combined predictive capacity of rat models of algogen-induced and neuropathic hypersensitivity to clinically used analgesics varies with nociceptive endpoint and consideration of locomotor function. Pharmacol Biochem Behav., 101(3):465-478. 

37. Skovsted, G.F., Pedersen, A..F, Larsen, R., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L. (2012). Rapid functional upregulation of vasocontractile endothelin ET(B) receptors in rat coronary arteries. Life Sci., 91(13-14):593-599. 

38. Ghoreishi, S.M., Rajaian, H., Sheykhzade, M., Alikhani, M., Rahmani, H.R., Hajipour, A.R., Khorvash, M., Khodaei, H.R. (2012). Pharmacokinetics of pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione derivative, in male Naeini (Iranian fat-tailed) sheep. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 40 (3): 208-214. 

39. Folkmann, J.K., Vesterdal, L., Sheykhzade, M., Loft, S., Moller, P. (2012). Endothelial dysfunction in normal and prediabetic rats with metabolic syndrome exposed by oral gavage to carbon black nanoparticles. Toxicol Sci., 129(1):98-107. 

40. Blædel, M., Raun, K., Boonen, H.C., Sheykhzade, M., Sams, A. (2012). Early Onset Inflammation in Pre-Insulin-Resistant Diet-Induced Obese Rats Does Not Affect the Vasoreactivity of Isolated Small Mesenteric Arteries. Pharmacology, 90(3-4):125-132. 

41. Vesterdal, L.K., Mikkelsen, L., Folkmann, J.K.,  Sheykhzade, M., Cao, Y., Roursgaard, M., Loft, S., Moller, P. (2012). Carbon black nanoparticles and vascular dysfunction in cultured endothelial cells and artery segments. Toxicol Lett., 214(1):19-26. 

42. Sheykhzade, M., Simonsen, A.H., Boonen, H.C., Outzen, E.M., Nyborg, N.C. (2012). Effect of Ageing on the Passive and Active Tension and Pharmacodynamic Characteristics of Rat Coronary Arteries: Age-Dependent Increase in Sensitivity to 5-HT and K+. Pharmacology, 90 (3-4):160-168. 

2013:

43. Ghorbani, M.L., Nyborg, N.C., Fjalland, B., Sheykhzade, M. (2013). Calcium activity of upper thoracic dorsal root ganglion neurons in zucker diabetic Fatty rats. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2013:532850. doi: 10.1155/2013/532850. 

44. Svaloe, J., Bille, M., Parameswaran, Theepakaran N., Sheykhzade, M., Nordling, J., Bouchelouche, P. (2013). Bladder contractility is modulated by K_v7 channels in pig detrusor. Eur. J. Pharmacol., 715(1-3):312-20. 

45. Rasmussen, M.N., Hornbak, M., Larsen, S.S., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L. (2013). Permanent Distal Occlusion of Middle Cerebral Artery in Rat Causes Local Increased ET_B, 5-HT_1B and AT₁ Receptor-Mediated Contractility Downstream of Occlusion. J Vasc Res., 50(5):396-409. 

46. Erdling, A., Sheykhzade, M., Maddahi, A., Bari, F., Edvinsson, L. (2013). VIP/PACAP receptors in cerebral arteries of rat: Characterization, localization and relation to intracellular calcium.  Neuropeptides, 47(2): 85-92. 

2014:

47. Hasbak, P., Sheykhzade, M., Schifter, S., Edvinsson, L. (2014). Potentiated adrenomedullin induced vasorelaxation during hypoxia in organ cultured porcine coronary arteries. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol., 63(1):58-67. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000025. 

48. Edvinsson, L., Ahnstedt, H., Larsen, R., Sheykhzade, M. (2014). Differential localization and characterization of functional calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors in human subcutaneous arteries. Acta Physiol (Oxf)., 210(4):811-22. doi: 10.1111/apha.12213. 

49. Vesterdal, L.K., Jantzen, K., Sheykhzade, M., Roursgaard, M., Folkmann, J.K., Loft, S., Møller, P. (2014). Pulmonary exposure to particles from diesel exhaust, urban dust or single-walled carbon nanotubes and oxidatively damaged DNA and vascular function in apoE(-/-)mice. Nanotoxicology, 8:61-71. doi: 10.3109/17435390.2012.750385. 

50. Skovsted, G.F., Kruse, L., Larsen, R., Pedersen, A.F., Trautner, S., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L. (2014). Heart ischemia-reperfusion induces local upregulation of vasoconstrictor endothelin receptor type B in rat coronary arteries downstream of occlusion. Br J Pharmacol., 171(11):2726-38. doi: 10.1111/bph.12606. 

51. Boonen, H.C., Moesgaard, S.G., Birck, M.M., Christoffersen, B.O., Cirera, S., Heegaard, P.M., Højbøge, T.R., Jensen, L.J., Mortensen, A., Olsen, L.H., Sheykhzade, M., Tang, J., Lykkesfeldt, J. (2014). Functional network analysis of obese and lean Göttingen minipigs elucidates changes in oxidative and inflammatory networks in obese pigs. Pflugers Arch. 466(12):2167-76. doi: 10.1007/s00424-014-1486-2. 

52. Tang, J., Sheykhzade, M., Clausen, B.F., Boonen, H.C. (2014). Genetic fuzzy system predicting contractile reactivity patterns of small arteries. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol. 3:e108. doi: 10.1038/psp.2014.3. 

2015:

53. Kirchhoff, J.E., Goldin Diness, J., Sheykhzade, M., Grunnet, M., Jespersen, T. (2015). Synergistic anti-arrhythmic effect of combining inhibition of Ca²⁺activated K⁺ (SK) channels and voltage gated Na⁺ channels in an isolated heart model of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 12(2): 409-418. 

54. Svalø, J., Sheykhzade, M., Nordling, J., Matras, C., Bouchelouche, P. (2015). Functional and Molecular Evidence for Kv7 Channel Subtypes in Human Detrusor from Patients with and without Bladder Outflow Obstruction. PLoS One. 10(2):e0117350. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117350. eCollection 2015. 

55. Løhr, M., Folkmann, J.K., Sheykhzade, M., Jensen, L.J., Kermanizadeh, A., Loft, S., Møller, P. (2015). Hepatic oxidative stress, genotoxicity and vascular dysfunction in lean or obese zucker rats. PLoS One. 10(3):e0118773. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118773. eCollection 2015. 

56. Taskin, B., von Schoubye, N.L., Sheykhzade, M., Bastlund, J.F., Grunnet, M., Jespersen T. (2015). Biophysical characterization of KV3.1 potassium channel activating compounds. Eur J Pharmacol. 758:164-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.061. 

57. Diness, J.G., Kirchhoff, J.E., Sheykhzade, M., Jespersen, T., Grunnet, M. (2015). Anti-arrhythmic effect of either negative modulation or blockade of small conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channels on ventricular fibrillation in guinea pig Langendorff perfused heart. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 66(3):294-9. 

58. Outzen, E.M.,  Zaki, M.,  Abdolalizadeh, B.,  Sams, A., Boonen, H.C., Sheykhzade, M. (2015). Translational value of mechanical and vasomotor properties of mouse isolated mesenteric resistance-sized arteries. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives. 3(6): e00200. 

2016:

59. Blædel, M., Sams, A., Boonen, H.C., Sheykhzade, M. (2016). Increased Contractile Response to Noradrenaline Induced By Factors Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome in Cultured Small Mesenteric Arteries. Pharmacology. 97(1-2):48-56. 

60. Spray, S., Rasmussen, M.N., Skovsted, G.F., Warfvinge, K., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L. (2016). Reduced Mechanical Stretch Induces Enhanced Endothelin B Receptor-mediated Contractility via Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and Extra Cellular-regulated Kinase 1/2 in Cerebral Arteries from Rat. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 119(1): 68-77. doi: 10.1111/bcpt.12553.

61. Christophersen, D.V., Jacobsen, N.R., Jensen, D.M., Kermanizadeh, A., Sheykhzade, M., Loft, S., Vogel, U., Møller, P. (2016). Inflammation and Vascular Effects after Repeated Intratracheal Instillations of Carbon Black and Lipopolysaccharide. PLoS One. 11(8):e0160731. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160731.

62. Kirchhoff, J.E., Diness, J.G., Abildgaard, L., Sheykhzade, M., Grunnet, M., Jespersen, T.(2016). Antiarrhythmic effect of the Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (SK) channel inhibitor ICA combined with either amiodarone or dofetilide in an isolated heart model of atrial fibrillation. Pflugers Arch. 468(11-12):1853-1863.

2017:

63. Outzen, E.M.,  Zaki, M.,  Mehryar, R., Abdolalizadeh, B., Sajid, W., Boonen, H.C., Sams, A., Sheykhzade, M. (2017). LPS, but not Angiotensin ll, lnduces Direct Pro-lnflammatory Effects in Cultured Mouse Arteries and Human Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 120(4):335-347.

64. Eriksen, V.R., Abdolalizadeh, B.,  Trautner, S., Greisen, G., Sheykhzade, M. (2017). Mechanical and vasomotor properties of piglet isolated middle cerebral artery. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives. 5(1): e00279.

65. Sekeroglu, A., Jacobsen, J.M., Jansen-Olesen, I., Gupta, S., Sheykhzade, M., Olesen, J., Bhatt, D.K. (2017). Effect of PGD₂ on middle meningeal artery and mRNA expression profile of L-PGD₂ synthase and DP receptors in trigeminovascular system and other pain processing structures in rat brain. Pharmacol Rep. 69(1):50-56.

66. Sheykhzade, M., Amandi, N., Pla, M.V., Abdolalizadeh, B., Sams, A., Warfvinge, K., Edvinsson, L., Pickering, D.S. (2017). Binding and functional pharmacological characteristics of gepant-type antagonists in rat brain and mesenteric arteries. Vascul Pharmacol. 90:36-43.

67. Erdling, A., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L. (2017). Differential inhibitory response to telcagepant on αCGRP induced vasorelaxation and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in the perfused and non-perfused isolated rat middle cerebral artery. J Headache Pain. 18(1):61.

68. Kristiansen, S.B., Haanes, K.A., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L. (2017). Endothelin receptor mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in coronary arteries after experimentally induced ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 111:1-9.

69. Kristiansen, S.B., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L., Haanes, K.A. (2017). Changes in vasodilation following myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Nitric Oxide 70:68-75.

2018:

70. Jensen, D.M., Christophersen, D.V., Sheykhzade, M., Skovsted, G.F., Lykkesfeldt, J., Münter, R., Roursgaard, M., Loft, S., Møller, P. (2018). Vasomotor function in rat arteries after ex vivo and intragastric exposure to food-grade titanium dioxide and vegetable carbon particles. Part Fibre Toxicol. 15(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s12989-018-0248-2.

71. Sheykhzade, M., Abdolalizadeh, B,. Koole, C., Pickering, D.S., Dreisig, K,. Johansson, S.E., Abboud, B.K,. Dreier, R., Berg, J.O., Jeppesen, J.L., Sexton, P.M., Edvinsson, L., Wootten, D., Sams, A. (2018). Vascular and molecular pharmacology of the metabolically stable CGRP analogue, SAX. Eur J Pharmacol. 829:85-92. 

72. Jensen, D.M., Skovsted, G.F., Lykkesfeldt, J.,  Dreier, R., Berg, J.O., Jeppesen, J.L., Sheykhzade, M., Loft, S., Møller, P. (2018). Vasomotor dysfunction in human subcutaneous arteries exposed ex vivo to food-grade titanium dioxide. Food Chem Toxicol. 120:321-327. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.07.015.

73. Kristiansen, S.B., Skovsted, G.F., Berchtold, L.A., Radziwon-Balicka, A., Dreisig, K., Edvinsson, L., Sheykhzade, M., Haanes, K.A. (2018). Role of Pannexin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) following myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Scand Cardiovasc J. 52(6):340-343. doi: 10.1080/14017431.2018.1552793.

2019:

74. Johansson, S.E., Abdolalizadeh, B., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L., Sams, A. (2019). Vascular pathology of large cerebral arteries in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage: Vasoconstriction, functional CGRP depletion and maintained CGRP sensitivity. Eur J Pharmacol. 846:109-118. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.01.007.

75. Jensen, D.M., Løhr, M., Sheykhzade, M., Lykkesfeldt, J., Wils, R.S., Loft, S., Møller, P. (2019). Telomere length and genotoxicity in the lung of rats following intragastric exposure to food-grade titanium dioxide and vegetable carbon particles. Mutagenesis. 34(2):203-214. doi: 10.1093/mutage/gez003.

76. Arildsen, L., Andersen, J.V., Waagepetersen, H.S., Nissen, J.B.D., Sheykhzade, M. (2019). Hypermetabolism and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in mesenteric arteries of type 2 diabetes mellitus db/db mice. Diab Vasc Dis Res. 16(6):539-548. doi: 10.1177/1479164119865885.

77. Warfvinge, K., Edvinsson, L., Pickering, D.S., Sheykhzade, M. (2019). The Presence of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Its Receptors in Rat, Pig and Human Brain: Species Differences in Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Pharmacology. Pharmacology. 104:332-341. doi: 10.1159/000502471.

78. Edvinsson, J.C.A., Warfvinge, K., Krause, D.N., Blixt, F.W., Sheykhzade, M., Edvinsson, L., Haanes, K.A. (2019). C-fibers may modulate adjacent Aδ-fibers through axon-axon CGRP signaling at nodes of Ranvier in the trigeminal system. J Headache Pain. 20(1):105. doi: 10.1186/s10194-019-1055-3.

Review of books:

1. Review of "Patologi og Farmakologi" 3. udgave, 1. oplag 2010, forfatter: Mogens Vyberg, Farmakologisk konsulent: Majid Sheykhzade, Forlag: Munksgaard Danmark, Kapitel 11 (Almen Farmakologi) og Kapitel 12 (Speciel Farmakologi), ISBN: 978-8762809536.

Teaching

Teaching experience:

Over 20 years of teaching experience in the field of Pharmacology covering wide range of areas: Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Endocrinology (diabetes and obesity), Receptor Pharmacology and Intracellular Signaling Pathways, and Pharmacokinetics and –dynamics.

Supervision of students:

Supervised over 60 Master Thesis students and 15 PhD-students.

Administrative responsibilities:

Member of didactic committee at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chairman of the teaching committee at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen: from January 2008  - March 2012

August 2012  - May 2019: Member of the committee for Research and Innovation (FIU) at the Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen.

January 2017 - December 2020: Course director for "Organ pharmacology", Bachelor course for Pharmacy students at the 4th semester.

Pedagogic training:

Pedagogic course for PhD-students (November 1996, 30 lectures distributed over 3 days): Teaching and learning, Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Instructor: Associate Professor, Arne Jakobsen.

23 august 2001 - 1 september 2002: Pedagogic training for Assistant Professors at Danish Universities, The Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Holder of certificate for Higher Education Teaching and Teaching Practice (signed by the Rector, Prof. Sven Frøkjær 11. April 2003).

Course in supervision of PhD-students: 8th and 9th of September 2009 and 27th of October 2009: PUMA course in supervision of PhD-students at the University of Copenhagen.

Course for Department Supervisors: 15th of April, 2011 at 9:00-16:00, Øster Voldgade 3 (the observatory), 1350 Copenhagen, Organizers: Camilla Rump and Lars Ulriksen.

Fields of interest

1- Cardiovascular and neurovascular Pharmacology: Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity, Stroke, Cardiac pain (silent ischemia), Migraine
2- G-protein-coupled receptor pharmacology, intracellular calcium handling and intracellular signaling pathways
3- Fluorescence microscopy and measurements of intracellular calcium concentration
4- Pharmacokinetics and pharmakodynamics (PK-PD studies)