Development changes in neural stem cell responses in the spinal cord and the influence of painful stimulation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
During the six week rotation the student will undertake a series of preliminary investigations understanding changes in NSC expression pattern in a series of preclinical models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This will establish which pain models result in alterations in NSC behaviour and at what time points in the development of pain that these occur. Simultaneously it will be a chance for the student to shadow current PhD students and post-docs in our laboratories to experience the array of techniques and investigative approaches we employ in our studies and to get to know the research teams and environment.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/10/2024 | |||
| 1802913 | Studentship | BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2020 |
| Description | The expression of neural stem cell (NSC) markers Sox1 and Sox2 was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis in the mouse spinal cord during different stages of postnatal maturation (postnatal day (P) 7-40). GFP, Sox1 and Sox2 expression was observed around the central canal but was also detected in other areas of the spinal cord including the superficial dorsal horn and directly lateral to the central canal. At P7, there was higher NSC expression in the superficial dorsal horn and directly lateral to the central canal than at the later timepoints, although this was not statistically significant, indicating that NSC expression remained stable over the period considered. The potential effects of painful stimuli on NSC marker expression in the spinal cord during postnatal development was studied using inflammatory (carrageenan) and neuropathic (cisplatin) pain models. An intraplantar injection of carrageenan into the left hindpaw of P7 (0.5% carrageenan) and P14 (1% carrageenan) mice caused peak hyperalgesia at 4 hours post-injection that resolved by 120 hours with no significant differences in Sox1 and Sox2 expression observed. Analogous studies with the cytotoxic anti-cancer drug cisplatin (1mg/kg for five days from P14) produced significant hyperalgesia compared to controls and the impact of cisplatin upon NSC marker expression is ongoing. |
| Exploitation Route | The pain models developed in the neonatal mice were optimised and could be taken forward and put to use by others. |
| Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | University of Nottingham BBSRC DTP 2017 In Vivo Strategic Skills Awards |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | Pint of Science 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The general public attended a Pint of Science event (Beautiful Minds theme), which involved presentations from academics in neuroscience about their research and participation in activities delivered by me and other PhD students, and the public developed an understanding of neuroscience research at the University of Nottingham. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | School visited for a neuroscience day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | School children visited the university for a day to learn about neuroscience, I was responsible for giving them microscope demonstrations of brain sections. The children had an enthusiasm and increased interest in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Science in the Park 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The general public (event for children) attended an event at Wollaton Hall and participated in activities to improve their understanding of science. I was responsible for hosting an activity, which involved the children making DNA bracelets to develop a basic understanding and enthusiasm for science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |