Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The only widely validated treatment for both global and focal stroke that does not involve induction of reperfusion is hypothermia. However, there is a risk of central nervous system side effects (e.g., impaired plasticity). Moreover, the mechanism of neuroprotectant effects of hypothermia in stroke is unclear. Using two-photon microscopy (TPM), our group found that application of local cooling of the cortex using cold water perfusion does not prevent but delay the onset of ischemia-induced dendritic damage in living mice. In the following years, I will initially study whether hypothermia and re-warming processes cause side effects on dendritic circuitry, spine mobility using TPM, as well as unexpected effects on neuronal excitability and motor-sensory circuitry using optogenetic method in living mice. This might help to optimize application of hypothermic therapy in human. Furthermore, the functional outcome of treatment with hypothermia following stroke will be assessed by testing motor-sensory mapping and neuronal excitability using intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging as well as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) optogenetic motor mapping. By completing this project, I would be able to optimize the application of local hypothermia on brain, as well as assess functional recovery treated with hypothermia following stroke.