Zhang Neuroscience Research Laboratories Research

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Zhang Neuroscience Research Laboratories Research

Areas of Interest

In the Zhang Neuroscience research laboratory, we are currently pursuing many

area of research with the primary focus on cerebral vascular diseases (stroke).

There are about 700,000 people suffering from stroke each year in the United

States. Stroke is the third leading cause of death (160,000 patients per year)

and the leading cause of long-term neurological disability in adults. Cerebral

vascular diseases can be divided into two groups: hemorrhagic (responsible for

<20% of cerebral vascular diseases) and ischemic (responsible for >80%). Due to

the different pathogenesis of each type, different treatment strategies are

applied. Direct medical expenses, lost income, and decreased productivity after

cerebral vascular diseases cost billions of dollars in the United States .

Several stroke animal models are currently being pursued and are outlined below.

See recent research publications.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Cerebral Vasospasm

Photo of SAH rat model

We use an established double hemorrhage model to study the signaling pathways

and apoptosis in cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. In the same

animal model, we test gene therapy by using adenovirus as the vector. In

addition, we use a blood injection model to evaluate early phase of cerebral

vasospasm and its related brain injury. These studies are currently supported by

a grant from NIH.

We use an endovascular puncture model to study the signaling pathways in " early

brain injury " after subarachnoid hemorrhage and explore anti-apoptotic,

neurovascular protection, and hyperbaric therapeutic strategies. These studies

are being conducted in close collaboration with Dr. Obenaus from radiation

biology and non-invasive imaging on animal MRI, with Dr. Hartman from psychology

on neurobehavioral testing, and with Dr. Tang from physiology on molecular

biology. Dr. Zhang was awarded a new NIH grant to study early brain injury.

Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia

We use an established animal model of neonatal hypoxia/ischemia and test the

effect of neuroprotective agents and hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

Neuroregeneration, apoptosis, and neurological evaluations are investigated.

Collaborative efforts are made with Dr. Hartman on neurobehavioral testing

studies. One NIH grant is currently supporting the above mentioned hyperbaric

oxygen studies.

Role of erythropoietin and GCSF in brain protection in neonatal hypoxia is under

investigation. These studies are supported by NIH and part of the experiments

are in collaboration with the Tang Laboratory.

Photo of Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia Model

Cerebral Ischemia

We use an established suture focal cerebral ischemia model and evaluate the

mechanism of neuroprotection and regeneration as well as hyperbaric oxygen

treatment. This study is supported by NIH.

In addition, we use an established 2VO and hypotension global cerebral ischemia

model and test the therapeutic effect of G-CSF and its molecular mechanisms.

Furthermore, we developed a new 4VO model, which is a one-stage operation, and

we use this new model to study preconditioning effect of HBO. More grant

supports are being pursued for these projects.

Schematic of four arteries

Cerebral blood flow after 4VO

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

We use two established animal models of ICH: blood injection and collagenase

injection and test neuroprotective effect of agents. In addition, we use this

same modeling in transgenic mice and studying the genetic regulation of brain

edema, blood-brain barrier permeability, intracranial pressure, and cerebral

blood flow. We collaborate with the Tang laboratory, which is a NIH supported

laboratory.

Photos of ICH surgery and hemorrhage

Surgery-Lobotomy Brain Injury Model

We developed a new surgically-induced brain injury model in rats and in mice to

mimic surgery-induced brain injury. Neuroprotective agents are being tested.

Funding will be pursued.

Brain infarction after MCAO

Research Training

Dr. Zhang's Clinical Neuroscience Laboratories are actively recruiting graduate

students who are motivated in clinical neuroscience research for master's and

PhD degrees. Since research directions and interests cover animal surgery,

physiology and pharmacology, molecular biology, anatomic morphology,

neuro-imaging, and neurological functions, students with different background

are encouraged to apply.

In addition, Dr. Zhang's research program recruiting international fellows with

MD or PhD degrees to pursue postdoctoral training in clinical neuroscience

research. The goal of the research program is to establish a multiple

directional research stage for interactions among young researchers.

Furthermore, neurosurgery and anesthesiology residents and fellows as well as

residents from other clinical departments are encouraged to participate in the

basic or clinical research training.

Collaborators

Our lab is very proud to collaborate with a large and diverse group of capable

researchers.

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