Current Research Interests/Projects: My major research focus is in clinical research -- namely to determine the underlying pathophysiology of a medically unexplained illness -- specifically, a collection of symptoms such as pain and fatigue which have no apparent cause. In doing this research, I use a multidisciplinary approach. Thus, I am evaluating several aspects of the central nervous system: cerebral blood flow at rest and during postural challenge; serotonergic function following pharmacological probes, and spinal fluid for signs of abnormalities. I also collaborate with faculty from other departments to use functional neuroimaging techniques to understand the brain representation of these symptoms. Another approach is to assess autonomic nervous system function. We do this by using a protocol designed to turn ANS function on and off. One of the measures we use to assess ANS function is a noninvasive measure of vagus nerve activity via an analysis of heart rate variability. Other studies look at neuroendocrine and immune function following either cognitive or exercise challenge. Yet another way to assess neurological function in these disorders is to assess balance or gait, and we do such studies in my laboratory. Finally, we have developed a murine model of immunologically induced chronic fatigue.

Representative Publications:

Ohashi, K. Yamamoto, Y., and Natelson, B.H. Activity rhythm degrades after strenuous exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome. Physiology & Behavior, 77:39-44, 2002.

Brimacombe, M., Zhang, Q. Lange, G. and Natelson, B.H. Immunological variables mediate cognitive dysfunction in Gulf veterans but not civilians with CFS. NeuroImmunoModulation, 10(2):93-100, 2002.

Brimacombe, M., Helmer, D., and Natelson, B.H. Birth order and its association with the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome. Human Biology, 74(4):615-620, 2002.

Natelson, B.H. and Lange, G. A status report on chronic fatigue syndrome. Environmental Health Perspectives, 110 Suppl 4:673-677, 2002.

Raphael, K., Natelson, B., Janal, M., and Nayak, S. A community-based survey of fibromyalgia-like pain complaints following the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Pain, 100:131-139, 2002.

Brimacombe, M., Helmer, D., and Natelson, B.H. Clinical differences exist between patients fulfilling the 1988 and 1994 case definitions of chronic fatigue syndrome, Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 9(4):309-314, 2002.

Ciccone, D.S. and Natelson, B.H. Comorbid illness in the chronic fatigue syndrome: A test of the single syndrome hypothesis. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65(2):268-275, 2003.

Yamamoto, Y., LaManca, J., and Natelson, B.H. A measure of heart rate variability is sensitive to orthostatic challenge in women with chronic fatigue syndrome. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 228(2):167-174, 2003.

Ciccone, D.S., Busichio, K., Vickroy, M., and Natelson, B.H. Effects of psychiatric morbidity and psychological distress on physical impairment in the chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 54:445-52, 2003.

Tiersky, L., R.J. Matheis, J. DeLuca, G. Lange, and B.H. Natelson. Functional status, neuropsychological functioning and mood in chronic fatigue syndrome: Relationship to psychiatric disorder. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorders, 191(5):324-331, 2003.

Cook, D.B., P.R. Nagelkirk, A. Peckerman, A. Poluri, J.J. LaManca, and B.H. Natelson. Perceived exertion in fatiguing illness part 1: civilians with chronic fatigue syndrome. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(4):563-568, 2003.

Peckerman, A., J.J. LaManca, K. Dahl, B. Qureishi, and B.H. Natelson. Abnormal impedance cardiography predicts symptom severity in chronic fatigue syndrome. American Journal of Medical Sciences, 326(2):55-60, 2003.

McCully, K.K., S. Smith, S. Rajaei, J.S. Leigh, Jr., and B.H. Natelson. Blood flow and muscle metabolism in chronic fatigue syndrome. Clinical Science, 104(6):641-647, 2003.

Peckerman, A., J.J. LaManca, B. Qureishi, K.A. Dahl, R. Golfetti, Y. Yamamoto and B.H. Natelson. Baroreceptor reflex and integrative stress responses in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65:889-895, 2003.