Laboratory of Functional Morphology
Head: Jaroslav Pokorný, prof., MD., DSc.
Researches: Miloš Langmeier prof. MD, DSc.
Petr Kozler, assoc. prof., MD, Ph.D.
Staff: Anna Burianová
Grant: PRVOUK P34/LF 1/7
Our scientific group studies the structural and functional correlates of neuroplasticity. Principal interest is given to effects induced by changes in the microenvironment of the brain – starting with models of acute stroke, changes in ionic composition and hydration level of the brain tissue, to the interaction between excitation and inhibition in the activity of nerve cells induced by excitotoxic substances.
To induce changes in the miroenvironment of the brain two methods are used:
- Water intoxication (hyperhydration) by fractionated intraperitoneal administration of distilled water in 8 hours intervals during 24 hours in the amount corresponding to 15 to 20% by rat’s body weight
- Osmotic opening of the blood-brain barrier: administration of 20% mannitol solution selectively into the internal carotid artery of the rat in the dose of 5 ml/kg of body weight (rate 0.12 ml/sec)
To detect changes in the internal environment, we use the following methods:
- Light and fluorescence microscopy
- Determination of water content in brain tissue by the dry and wet weight ratio
- Identification of radiodenzity changes using mikro CT examination
- Analysis of excitability of the neurons in the cerebral cortex
Determination of changes in the concentration of some markers of (e.g. myelin basic protein) in cerebrospinal fluid
Fig.1 Signs of myelin degradation in hippocampus
Fig.2 Differences in blood brain a cell membrane permeability revealed by a fluorescent tracer in CA1 hippocampal area
Fig.3 Radiodensity of a specific brain location using microCT examination
Selected Publications:
Kozler P, Pokorny J: Effect of methylprednisolone on the axonal impairment accompanying cellular brain oedema induced by water intoxication in rats. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2012;33(8):782-6.
Kozler P, Riljak V, Pokorný J: Both water intoxication and osmotic BBB disruption increase brain water content in rats. Physiol Res. 2013 Dec 12;62 Suppl 1:S75-80.