Mechanisms of Plasticity in the Flexor Reflex: Barbara J. Winterson, Ph.D.

Research Interests

1. The research focus of our laboratory is the investigation of mechanisms of plasticity in the flexor reflex of the laboratory rat, in particular long-term changes in the reflex as a consequence of injurious stimulation. Currently, we are making precision measurements of hindlimb force with a computerized data acquisition system. The preparation is an anesthetized, spinalized rat and using pharmacological antagonist drugs to test the involvement of glutamate, tachykinins, and nitric oxide in the reduction or enhancement of brief and prolonged noxious percutaneous electrical stimulation. This animal model is may shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying disordered motor function in clinical musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain.

2. In collaboration with Dr. Geoffrey Bove, (Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston). I have been studying hindpaw hyperalgesia in neuropathic rats with a modified von Frey method. This research is designed to evaluate mechanisms underlying pain sensation as a consequence of nerve injury.

3. In collaboration with Dr. Amy Davidoff (Department of Pharmacology, UNECOM), I have been engaged in whole cell patch clamp recording from isolated ventricular myocytes. Measurements have included Ca2+ and K+ currents in myocytes treated with normal culture medium or high glucose medium. The purpose of this research is to delineate the factors involved altered excitation-contraction coupling that is associated with diabetes mellitus.

Collaborators: Geoffry Bove, Ph.D., Amy J. Davidoff, Ph.D., David J. Mokler, Ph.D.
    
UNECOM Alumni Services
     

Back to Top

 
» Advanced Search