Development of preclinical imaging to refine studies of dysfunctional blood flow in the brain

This neuroscience-based PhD will use animal models of ageing, stroke and hypertension in order to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques which allow us to study how the mechanisms controlling blood flow in the brain in response to metabolic demand are affected by these clinically important conditions. The brain has high energy consumption and requires a constant supply, via the blood stream, of oxygen and glucose for normal functioning. In order for brain function to be maintained changes in blood flow need to occur to meet the changes in metabolic demand of brain tissue. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes in blood flow are not fully understood. Current techniques available to study these mechanisms are invasive and limited in their ability to penetrate the vascular system within deep brain structures. This PhD aims to develop non-invasive, state-of-the-art imaging techniques, i.e. MRI, that will allow us to study changes in blood flow in response to metabolic demands during ageing and vascular disease. In addition, this PhD will also involve behavioural studies of cognitive abilities during ageing and vascular disease in order to see how cognitive function is correlated with changes in blood flow.