Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Dr. Ian Winship, University of Alberta. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Ischemic stroke is a severe medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, often by a clot. This blockage prevents the brain from getting essential nutrients, resulting in brain damage. Although stroke treatments exist to help restore blood flow to the brain, over half of the patients who receive this therapy still suffer from significant health issues and poor recovery. One factor contributing to this problem is the behaviour of neutrophils, a type of blood and immune cell that arrives at the injury site to aid in repair. However, these cells can clog small blood vessels in the brain after treatment, causing more damage. Our research aims to explore a potential new treatment that could reduce the damage caused by neutrophils following a stroke. We aim to investigate how progesterone, a female sex hormone, may influence neutrophil activity. Early experiments in rats have shown that a new drug, NTS-104, which activates progesterone, might help protect the brain after a stroke. We hypothesize that NTS-104 may reduce the harmful effects of neutrophils and enhance recovery outcomes. Using a mouse model of ischemic stroke, we will assess several key factors, including the number of neutrophils in the brain, the size of the stroke-affected area, and the improvement in blood flow after treatment with NTS-104. Our research helps better understand neutrophil behaviour and the potential protective effects of progesterone. By testing this new treatment, we aim to improve stroke recovery and the quality of life for survivors, particularly those with limited options and poor outcomes from existing therapies. Additionally, our work could pave the way for new research avenues, ultimately contributing to better healthcare solutions for stroke patients.