The Cerebrovascular/Memory/CSF Research Lab studies brain microcirculation in normal and pathological conditions. We investigate the mechanisms by which abnormalities of cerebrovascular circulation damage the brain. The ultimate goal of our studies is to develop new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of various neurological disturbances related to cerebrovascular circulation.
In collaboration with Rice Neuroengineering Initiative
The Cerebrovascular/Memory/CSF Research Lab studies brain circulation in normal and pathological conditions. For normal functioning the brain is critically dependent on a continuous and adequate blood supply. Brain circulation abnormalities, acute, like stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage, or chronic, like vascular dementia, lead to long-lasting or permanent brain damage. The Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory explores physiology and pathophysiology of brain circulation in search of new therapeutic approaches to brain pathologies related to brain circulation. Using multidisciplinary approaches and the Cerebrovascular Research Lab studies:
HEMORRAGIC AND ISCHEMIC STROKES
In spite of significant efforts to find new therapies, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes remain in the top 10 causes of long term disability. The Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory is exploring innovative approaches developed in our Laboratory to the preservation of brain tissue following the catastrophic events using neuromodulation and “electroceuticals” tools to activate innate neuroprotective mechanisms. The Laboratory also collaborates with the Neuroregeneration laboratory to explore potential of stem cell therapy to recover damaged brain tissue.
SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE
Subarachnoid hemorrhage, the catastrophic event resulting from the rupture of brain aneurism and traumatic damage of large brain surface arteries, leads to long-term or permanent brain damage. One of the factors leading to the long-term brain damage is abnormalities of cerebrospinal fluid flow, which interrupts normal clearance of brain parenchyma from various waste products. In our Laboratory we are exploring the role of innate brain coagulation system in the control of hemorrhage and regulation of cerebral fluid flow. This innovative approach will potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage consequences.
NEUROPROTECTION
Brain is very delicate and depends on the stable continuous supply of oxygen and glucose provided by brain circulation. The complex system has evolved to protect the brain against damage due to inadequate supply of these major elements. This system includes regulation of cerebrovascular flow and the innate neuroprotective mechanisms. This system is activated naturally, for example, during diving or hibernation. Our Laboratory explores methods to protect the brain in various damaging conditions using innovative neuromodulation and electroceuticals approaches.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Traumatic brain injury presents a significant problem for military and civil population. Finding a treatment for this detrimental condition remains a serious challenge. Our Laboratory is developing new ground-breaking neuromodulatory approaches to address this problem.
Our Team
Gavin W. Britz, MBBCh, MPH, MBA, FAANS
Principal Investigator
Dr. Gavin Britz earned his MBBCh at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Medicine, South Africa in 1987. He completed a surgical fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore in neurosurgery. This was followed by completing his residency at University of Washington Medical School, Seattle. During his residency he also attended St. George’s Medical School, The University of London, UK and served as a Neurosurgical Registrar and Senior Registrar. After residency, he took a cerebrovascular fellowship in 2002 and an Interventional Neuroradiology Fellowship in 2003 at the University of Washington Medical School, Seattle. In 2003 he earned his MPH at the University of Washington, Seattle. He also obtained an MBA from George Washington University in 2015. He held faculty appointments at the University of Washington and Duke University before becoming a member of Houston Methodist Research Institute in 2013 as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery.
Dr. Eugene Golanov earned his MD degree in general medicine from I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (former I.M. Sechenov First Moscow Medical School) and obtained his PhD in normal physiology from the Institute of Normal Physiology in Moscow. After leading the Hypertension Physiology group at All Union Cardiology Research Center, he moved to the Division of Neurobiology (Dr. Reis) at Weill Cornell Medical College (New York, NY). After twelve years with Weill Cornell Medical College Dr. Golanov lead research laboratory of the Department of Neurosurgery (Dr. Parent) at the Mississippi Medical Center for three years. The following 6 years Dr. Golanov served as a program director and subject matter expert at the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, NIH, and Medical Research and Materiel Command of the Department of Defense. In 2013 he returned to academia. Dr. Golanov academic interests include regulation of cerebral blood flow, innate neuroprotection, stroke, traumatic brain injury, glymphatic system.
Eugene V. Golanov, MD, PhD
Director
