Brain injury and functional plasticity : physiological and environmental factors involved in reorganization of brain functions

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My research program aims at understanding the basic mechanisms by which the brain in general, and neuronal networks in particular, reorganize following lesion. With my research team, I study the physiological and environmental conditions that promote recovery of function. To study this functional plasticity I use a rat model of global ischemia that mimics the neuronal damage and functional deficits observed in humans following cardiac arrest or stroke. In this rat model, the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus is extensively damaged and this leads to learning and memory deficits and stress reactivity. In the last few years, my students and I have demonstrated that the functional recovery of these deficits can be enhanced by physiological (i.e., ischemic preconditioning, CRH stimulation) and environmental factors such as food restriction and certain nutritional supplements such as fish oil. An interesting aspect of the functional effects seen following exposure to environmental factors is that they take place without apparent changes in ischemic neuronal injury, suggesting that they are induced via alterations of other neuronal circuits and/or biochemical changes. The present research program aims to target some of the processes that may underlay functional plasticity and cognitive improvement induced by environmental factors. Its multidisciplinary approach will prepare students to contribute significantly to understanding the determinants of recovery processes following brain injury.