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Translational Neuroscience & Hypothermia Project

We investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic injury. Over the years, we have pioneered methods for neuroprotection and brain repair in babies and experimental models.

Photomontage: Intensive care nursery unit, brain scan and diagrams

Illustration: D.A. Menassa

We model human neonatal hypoxic brain injury in experimental models by varying the degree of hypoxia-ischaemia. Our neuroprotective interventions include induced-hypothermia without and with xenon inhalation (combination therapy).

We optimize hypothermia therapy by defining the precise window of intervention, the duration of the process and the degree of cooling. Because cooling is a stressor, we investigate the effects of sedation and analgesia (used to relieve discomfort) on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. 

We research injury in newborns triggered by low oxygen to the brain. We work on methods to attenuate brain injury and improve quality of life of affected individuals. We have identified that decreasing body temperature in a process called ‘cooling’ helps the injured brain and combining this with breathing a gas known as ‘xenon’ can help protect the brain further.

As newborns may be given drugs to help relieve stress during the cooling process, we aim to understand the long-term effects of these drugs on the brain.

Published June 16, 2021 1:05 PM - Last modified June 16, 2021 1:07 PM

Contact

Dept. of Molecular Medicine
Domus Medica
Gaustad
Sognsvannsveien 9
0372 Oslo

Contact person

Marianne Thoresen

Participants

Detailed list of participants