SPECIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS


Vascular Protection for Acute Ischemic Stroke

In our lab, we are focused on studying how ischemia and reperfusion influences the normal behavior of the cerebral arteries and arterioles. We use an established model of stroke - the middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) - to investigate underlying mechanisms of damage to the cerebral vasculature and what treatments will prevent the damage, ie., provide vascular protection. In particular, we are focused on pial collaterals (leptomeningeal anastomoses) that are known to sustain the penumbra during occlusion. Our goal is to understand functional properties of pial collaterals under normal physiological conditions and chronic hypertension, a common comorbidity of ischemic stroke, in order to increase collateral flow, salvage vulnerable brain tissue and improve stroke outcome.

Specific Research 1

Brain Injury during Pregnancy and Preeclampsia (Seizure and Stroke)

We are interested in how both normal pregnancy and hypertension in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, affect the cerebral circulation in ways that promote neurologic symptoms, including seizure (eclampsia). Areas of investigation include changes in cerebral blood flow autoregulation, blood-brain barrier permeability, and seizure susceptibility in models of pregnancy and preeclampsia. Our goal is to understand seizure susceptibility in preeclampsia in order to prevent this devastating condition.

Specific Research 2

We are also interested in how pregnancy and preeclampsia affect outcome from ischemic stroke including infarction and hemorrhagic transformation. Although stroke risk is higher in women with preeclampsia, the outcome from stroke is largely unknown in this vulnerable population. Our goal is to provide needed information on stroke and stroke treatments (thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy) so that women with stroke in pregnancy and preeclampsia can be provided the same level of treatment as other stroke patients.

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Hemorrhagic transformation in nonpregnant rat brain.


Effect of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia on Cognition and Hippocampal Vascular Function Later in Life

We are interested in understanding mechanisms by which preeclampsia affects brain regions involved in memory and cognition such as the hippocampus that may contribute to early-onset cognitive decline reported in formerly preeclamptic women. We are investigating hippocampal vascular function and hemodynamics during normal pregnancy and experimental preeclampsia, including measurement of hippocampal blood flow under baseline conditions and during seizures (eclampsia). In addition, we are investigating the effect of eclampsia-like seizures on hippocampal neuronal network function and cognition and if preventing hippocampal vascular remodeling will prevent long-lasting seizure-induced injury persisting weeks-to-months post-partum. This project aims to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which cognitive impairment occurs in women with preeclampsia and how seizure adversely affects the maternal brain.

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Specific Research 4