Our research group is interested in central nervous system changes that accompany injury. We study the effects of steroid hormones and age on initial and long term responses to injury. We emphasize changes in glial activation and in neurochemical changes that occur in injured neruons, especially the neurochemical substance P and its receptor, NK-1. Glia cells are key to central nervous system responses to injury because they become activated following nerve injury.
Glia provide immuni serveillance and aid in tissue repair.
Microglia are the major central nervous system cell involved in the central neuroimmune response to injury. We are studying the microglial proliferation and activation, and the effect of pharmacological manipulations on behaviors that are indicative of nociception. We use immunohistochemical, biochemical, behavioral, and pharmacological techniques in our research. Aging and neuropathic pain. Lovell, JA, SL Stuesse, WLR Cruce, T Crisp.