Brain and neuroprotection

Overview

We are interested in mechanisms of anaesthesia and neuroprotection (protection against brain injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injury).  The identification of the molecular targets of certain anaesthetics such as xenon has led to the idea of using these anaesthetics as treatments to prevent brain damage in conditions such as neonatal hypoxia/ischemia and traumatic brain injury.  

We use a variety of approaches to study the molecular actions of anaesthetics and neuroprotectants, including patch-clamp electrophysiology and site-directed mutagenesis.  We also use a variety of in vitro and in vivo models of acquired brain injury in order to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of novel treatments for conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Summary of current research

• Understanding the mechanisms of action of anaesthetics & neuroprotectants
• Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying different types of acquired brain injuries
• Evaluating the efficacy of new treatments for acquired brain injury (eg carbon monoxide exposure, blunt trauma and blast-traumatic brain injury)
• Identifying clinically relevant biomarkers for acquired brain injury