Current Studies:

    Because of the complexity of the problem, it was realized at the outset that research would be best conducted in subgroups that would interact at various levels to share information and build on what is already known.

      Cell Culture Studies (In-vitro): Dr. B.H.J. Juurlink, Coordinator

      • The brain is very complex and consists of a wide variety of different types of cells, interacting with each other and with the fluid outside of the cell. Each of these cell types can be obtained individually in cell-type-specific cultures. The use of such cultures allows us to examine, one by one, the different cell types under conditions which imitate either some selected conditions or all the conditions occurring during stroke.
      • The group will use experiments to study different ways in which young, mature and old cells die during stroke (imitating what happens following a stroke in the different age groups). These cells will be looked at in two ways:
        • 1. with no specific treatments, and
        • 2. with specific treatments such as drugs and cooling (lowering the temperature) immediately after an injury or stroke simulation.

      Physiology Studies (In-vivo): Dr. J. Thornhill, Coordinator

      • Understanding how and why cells die individually is the first step in determining how the brain as a whole functions and responds to various injuries, such as a stroke. The In-vivo Group will examine and measure the impact of low blood flow (stroke) on the brain as a whole. The young brain of an infant or child responds differently to stroke than does the brain of an adult. The immature brain is better able to tolerate and recover from injuries to a greater degree than the mature brain of an adult. The Invive Group will measure the differences in damage to the whole brain at different ages by developing and monitoring experimental stroke models. Using these facts along with those of the Cell Culture Group allows us to better understand the extent to which the brain is able to restore its function and provide us with important facts which will be used in developing specific treatments.

      Clinical Group: Dr. A. Shuaib, Coordinator

      • The investigators are involved in several multi-centre studies looking at the prevention of stroke in patients who are at high risk and medications that may improve recovery of function after stroke. The Clinical Group is monitoring the effects of commonly used drugs on the return of brain function after an acute stroke.
      • Future clinical research will look at the recovery of function after stroke in different age groups.
      • The Clinical Group has a stroke clinic where patients with risk factors for stroke (carotid bruits, transient ischemic attacks, atrial fibrillation) and those with completed stroke are evaluated. In addition, there is a stroke registry that monitors the risk factors for stroke, type of stroke, type of investigations, and the eventual outcome in patients that are admitted to the hospital.

      Stroke Prevention Unit: Dr. B. Reeder, Coordinator

      • The unit is currently involved in assessing the knowledge of risk factors for stroke in several population groups.
      • The unit will identify populations at risk for stroke and develop educational programs and specific treatments in several pilot sites. Doctors, nurses and nutritionists in these communities will involve individuals at risk for stroke in programs which will reduce their risk factors and promote healthy lifestyles. Research will assess the most effective ways of helping health care professionals and their patients, as well as the general public, reduce the risk of stroke.

      Education Group: Dr. J. Kalra, Coordinator

        The goal of education programs is to encourage research into stroke pathophysiology and specific treatments by undergraduates, postgraduates and post-doctoral/clinical fellowships. A partnership between the University of Saskatchewan and the private sector will play a vital role in the funding of ongoing research into reducing the numbers and disability resulting from strokes. The general public will be kept informed about the work being done at the Saskatchewan Stroke Research Centre via frequent seminars and media (paper, radio and TV) coverage.

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        Website maintained by jennings@www.usask.ca          Revised May 1999