Our research involves methods of non-invasive investigation of the pathogenic mechanisms of cerebral ischemia, including 4T and 9.4T MRI and CT.

We are currently in the beginning stages of testing the neuroprotective effects of Erythropoietin (EPO) in a rat model of ischemia. Erythropoietin was shown to have a neuroprotective effect in animal models of experimental brain injury. Previous studies have shown that EPO, administered up to 6 hours before ischemia prevents cell death and reduces infarct volume by 75% (Brines et al, 2002). Our research involves measurement of blood perfusion using CT and metabolic measurements using MRI spectroscopy. We believe that in-vivo perfusion and metabolic measurements are good indicators of tissue damage in the early stages of ischemia, before anatomical and histopathologic changes are evident.

Simona is currently on maternity leave and will be returning to the office in October, 2009.  Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy!

Contact Info:

Simona Nikolova
Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping
Robarts Research Institute
P.O. Box 5015, 100 Perth Drive
London, Ontario, Canada
N6A 5K8

phone: (519) 663-5777 x24067
email: nikolova<at>imaging.robarts.ca