My research centers on the comparative and ecological physiology of animals. In particular, my research focuses on osmoregulatory physiology: kidney function and regulation of fluid and solute balance. My approach to these problems is an integrative one, including studies in both laboratory and field, and studies at levels ranging from cellular to tissue, organ, and whole animal. Recent effort has focused on osmoregulatory aspects of cold acclimation and freeze tolerance in amphibians.  In particular, we are studying gray treefrogs that accumulate glycerol during cold acclimation, in anticipation of freezing.  Because proteins from the aquaporin family are capable of facilitating transport of water and glycerol, we are especially interested in the roles of those proteins in cryobiology.  Other projects in recent years have involved birds (on which I have conducted much of my research) and mammals.  Specific studies have addressed the influence of dietary protein on structure and function of the kidneys in birds and rodents; the role of oxytocin in regulating urinary sodium excretion; and kidney function in small birds and mammals. Techniques used include surgical preparation of animals, in vitro studies of transport, hormone assays, isotope tracer studies, molecular biology, and others. The broad goal of these studies is to relate the physiological response of animals to conditions experienced in their natural environments.

Representative Publications

Mutyam,V., M. V. Puccetti, J. Frisbie, D. L. Goldstein, C. M. Krane.  2011.  Endo-Porter mediated delivery of morpholinos in erythrocyte suspension cultures from Cope’s gray treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis.  Biotechniques 50: 329-333.

Mutyam, V., M. V. Puccetti, J. Frisbie, D. L. Goldstein, C. M. Krane. 2011. Dynamic regulation of aquaglyceroporin expression in erythrocyte cultures from cold- and warm-acclimated cope's gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis.  Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological Genetics and Physiology 315A: 424-437.

Goldstein, D. L., A. Diller, J. Frisbie, R. Pandey, C. M. Krane. 2010.  Glycerol uptake by erythrocytes from warm- and cold-acclimated Cope’s gray treefrogs.  Journal of Com. Physiol. 180: 1257-1265.

Pandey, R., S. Yaganti, S. Coffey, J. Frisbie, and D. L. Goldstein.  2010.  Expression and localization of three aquaporins in tissues from Cope’s gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis.  Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 157(1):86-94.

Zimmerman, S. L., J. Frisbie, D. L. Goldstein, J. West, K. Rivera, and C. M. Krane.  2007, in press.  Excretion and conservation of glycerol, and associated expression of aquaporins and glyceroporins, during cold acclimation in Cope’s gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis.  American Journal of Physiology.  

Goldstein, D. L. and B. Pinshow.  2006.  Taking physiology to the field: using physiological methods to answer questions about animals in their environments.  Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79: 237-241.

Goldstein, D. L.  2006.  Regulation of the avian kidney by arginine vasotocin.  General and Comparative Endocrinology 147: 78-84.

Morris, M., T. D. Jones, M. J. A. Rocha, R. Fazan, M. W. Chapleau, H. C. Salgado, A. K, Johnson, M. C. Irigoyen, L. C. Micelini, and D. L. Goldstein.  2006.  International student exchange and the medical curriculum: evaluation of a medical sciences translational physiology course in Brazil.  Adv. Phys. Ed. 30: 119-123.

Goldstein, D. L.  2006.  Osmoregulation by salt marsh passerines.  Pp. 110 – 118 in R. Greenberg and S. Droege, eds.  Vertebrates of tidal marshes.  Smithsonian Press.

Goldstein, D. L. , S. Newland, and P. Calloway. 2004. Water balance and kidney function in the least shrew Cryptotis parva. Comparative Biochemistry Physiology .

Goldstein, D. L. , C. Krane, J. Frisbie, and K. Rivera. 2004. Aquaporins in an amphibian that accumulates glycerol during cold acclimation. Abstract, Experimental Biology 2004, Wahington, D. C.
Lyons, M. E. and D. L. Goldstein . 2002. Osmoregulation by nestling and adult American kestrels (Falco sparverius). Auk 119: 426-436.