Our laboratory is interested in translational research related to stroke. Countless studies have been performed identifying neuroprotectant agents, all of which have failed to have a utility in a clinical setting. We hypothesis that these repeated failures are in part secondary to the current animal models utilized by the vast majority of researchers. These models apparently are not appropriate for identifying neuroprotectants that work in humans. The current models failure to account for the role of aging may be a critical limitation. We have developed a new model of focal ischemia in a rat model utilizing aged animals. Our model uses superselective injection of a fibrin clot into the middle cerebral artery, with subsequent reperfusion following TPA administration.

Using this model we are exploring the pathophysiology of stroke and how the age of the animal influences the development and severity of stroke. Currently we are looking at animal behavior, blood-brain barrier pertubations, astrocytic response genes, and inflammatory mediators. We have also developed a novel neuroprotectant which we are analyzing for possible clinical use. Our laboratory techniques include animal surgery, and tissue analysis (including histology, immunostaining, and bevaioral studies).