PRECLINICAL RESEARCH

We use a variety of methods including preclinical animal models, MRI pulse sequence development, imaging analysis, biophysical modeling, and histopathological analysis. All approaches add insight to the consequences of spinal cord injury but are guided by the major goal of clinical translation of insights and methods.

SPINAL CORD BLOOD FLOW

Measuring blood flow and perfusion in the spinal cord is a critical facet of acute spinal cord injury. We have developed and optimized MRI methods termed arterial spin labelling (ASL) to visualize and quantify perfusion characteristics with high quality and reliability.

Publication

SPINAL CORD MRI ANGIOGRAPHY

Arterial spin labelling is a unique MRI method that can be used to understand vascular structures and flow dynamics. We develop these tools to reveal the vascular supply to the cord and used in conjunction with perfusion methods.

Publication

DIFFUSION MRI MODELING

Revealing the pathologies that underlie diffusion changes in various neurological disorders is central to their utility as disease and treatment-based biomarkers. Our previous studies have revealed how neurons respond to acute damage. This pathophysiology has further been exploited to improve MRI methods to detect acute injury with greater reliability and ease.

Publication

DIFFUSION MRI PULSE SEQUENCES

We as a group develop pulse sequences for the Bruker small animal platform with an emphasis on diffusion and perfusion and the spinal cord. We promote open sharing of the methods to allow their use by other investigators and as building blocks for other applications.

Access sequences here on the Open Science website.