The spinal cord studies are supported by two grants. In collaboration with Robert LaMotte, combined physiological and immunohistochemical approaches are being used to investigate changes of neuronal and neuronal dorsal root ganglion cells in response to compression or to partial root injury. This work is supported by the Spinal Cord Injury Center Grant (C. Greer, Program Director). An NIH RO1 grant (C. LaMotte, PI) funds research on the effects of neurotrophins and antibodies to neurotrophins on sprouting of normal afferents in the spinal cord after sciatic deafferentation (using the pronase model developed in this laboratory).
A third project, related to the study of pain mechanisms, was initiated in collaboration with Dr. Jerry Collins, Dept of Anesthesiology. Sponsored by Adolor Corporation, we are developing a model of second degree burn in rat skin, and will use this model to screen peripherally acting analgesic drugs against pain assoicated with decond degree thermal burn.
The reorganization of neural circuits in response to spinal cord injury or as part of the process of epileptic discharge is considered to be critical to both the process of recovery and to the frequent development of abnormal activity and secondary symptoms. Understanding the changes that occur and the underlying mechanisms are intended to be a major step in the development of preventive and restorative treatments of the devastating effects of neural injury.
Dr. LaMotte can be reached at 203-785-2598
or email to carole.lamotte@yale.edu
Department of Neurosurgery address and phone number