Our laboratory investigates secondary injury mechanisms implicated in the behavioral consequences of traumatic brain injury. Our research utilizes a variety of techniques to examine the cellular and molecular responses to injury in combination with pharmacologic or genetic modification of these responses. Our research investigates neuroimmune modulation as a neuroprotective strategy in a model of traumatic brain injury. We are particularly interested in the involvement of an endogenous neurotransmitter system, the endocannabinoid system, with a known role in both pathological and homeostatic functions in the injured CNS. In addition, projects in our laboratory investigate mechanisms underlying sensitization of the trigeminovascular system after traumatic brain injury with implications in the treatment of acute and chronic post-traumatic headache. Research support: Merck Inc.; Department of Defense
Melanie B. Elliott, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience
Educational Coordinator, JeffMD
Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience
Educational Coordinator, JeffMD
Research & Clinical Interests
Education
PhD, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA - 2005
MEd, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA - 2000
Publications
- Uncontrolled mitochondrial calcium uptake underlies the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in MICU1-deficient mice and patients
- Differential response in novel stem cell niches of the brain after cervical spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury
- Region-specific disruption of the blood-brain barrier following repeated inflammatory dural stimulation in a rat model of chronic trigeminal allodynia
- Frequent mild head injury promotes trigeminal sensitivity concomitant with microglial proliferation, astrocytosis, and increased neuropeptide levels in the trigeminal pain system
- Effectiveness of conservative interventions for sickness and pain behaviors induced by a high repetition high force upper extremity task