PLAMONDON, Hélène
Hélène Plamondon, PhDSchool of Psychology
Vanier Hall, Room 204
11 Marie Curie
Ottawa, ON, K1N 9A9
(613) 562-5800 (4098)
Fax : (613) 562-5147
Hplamond@uOttawa.ca
Research Interests:
Stroke, neuronal protection and functional recoveryEvery year in Canada an estimated 50,000 people suffer from strokes (the fourth leading cause of death in the country). Stroke-induced neuronal damage leaves 50 per cent of stroke victims with moderate to severe functional impairment.
My research involves studying some of the biological factors leading to neuronal death following a stroke. Identifying some of these neurochemical components can lead not only to the discovery of treatments that alleviate neuronal death, but also those that can significantly reduce stroke-induced behavioural and cognitive impairments. My research uses animal models of cerebral ischemia as well as models associated with increased tolerance to stroke-induced neuronal damage (cerebral ischemic preconditioning). These models respond to a combination of neurochemical and molecular techniques (for example immunohistochemistry, in vivo microdialysis and radioimmunoassays) and to different tests used to assess emotional, memory and behavioural impairments induced by stroke (including spatial memory, object recognition, anxiety and locomotion) and their attenuation by distinct treatments.
Specific research topics:
- Contribution of adenosine and potassium channel opening as neuroprotective treatments.
- Ischemic cerebral preconditioning: Is the neuroprotection obtained accompanied by enhanced functional recovery following a stroke?
- Participation of opioid and corticotropin-releasing factor in stroke. Do they have a deleterious or protective role?
- Study of the impact of diet restriction (and antioxidants) on neuronal and functional outcomes following an ischemic stroke.
Search on PubMed to obtain the last 5 years publications for Dr. Plamondon.
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