Murat Digicaylioglu, MD, PhD

Murat Digicaylioglu, MD, PhD Curriculum Vitae

Research: Many neurological diseases affect neuronal survival and induce neurodegeneration.

The research efforts of the neurosurgery lab are directed towards identifying neuroprotective and neurodegenerative cellular signaling in neurons and glial cells in neurological diseases. Our goal is to identify mechanisms and key signaling events, using a translational approach, utilizing established or known drugs and treatments for possible additional indication.

Currently we are focusing on acute and chronic neuroprotective treatments after ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and in Friedreich’s Ataxia. We are also investigating the use of hypothermia as a therapy for traumatic brain injury.

Stroke and the resulting neurological deficits are the most common cause for permanent disability in the UnitedStates. The death of neurons by apoptosis and the loss of axons and dendrites play a major role in damage in the penumbra of a stroke and in many neurodegenerative diseases.

In order to examine cellular events we have established an in vivo model of ischemic stroke, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in mice using a monofilament. So far our lab has performed over 2000 tMCAO microsurgeries in mice from various backgrounds. During the surgeries we monitor the following parameters:

• Cerebral blood flow (thremoclearance and hydrogen clearance methods) using a laser Doppler system
• Systemic blood pressure (invasive measurement), pulse amplitude and frequency (Statham pressure transducer)
• Blood constituents (electrolyt, pH, hematocrit, blood sugar)

We have following animal models of neurodegenerative diseases established in our lab:

• Stroke (transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery using a filament)
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Spinal cord injury (NYU model)
• Cortical Impact Model

In our efforts we utilize in vitro and in vivo techniques. Our labs are fully equipped, and the scientific members are experienced and skilled. Dr. Digicaylioglu joined the Departments of Neurosurgery and Physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in April 2007.