Examining brain microvessel respiration following blast traumatic brain injury (RPA Pilot / Seed Project)

To date, no research has been conducted on microvessel respiration following TBI and data resulting from this work can increase our understanding of the neuropathobiology of bTBI and identify therapeutic targets. We hypothesize that there are deficits in microvessel metabolism after bTBI that are closely related to BBB dysfunction and the generation of vascular oxidative stress. Further, this research can uncover underlying mechanism regarding the therapeutic effects of sildenafil and position this drug as treatment for bTBI. The results of this project will not only promote understanding of the pathobiology of bTBI but also provide a biological target for therapeutic modulation. Finally, establishing a technique to resolve microvessel mitochondrial function can open opportunities in the investigation of other neurovascular diseases.