Basic Research

The Neurotrauma group of research based at the National Trauma Research Institute is interested in the role played by cerebral inflammation triggered as a response to Traumatic Brain Injury. The underlying hypothesis is that inflammatory mediators may have either deleterious or ameliorating influences on the course of injury, particularly with respect to the onset of secondary brain damage and cell death.

The unique strategy utilised in our laboratory, is based on a bed-to-bench side approach to identify specific inflammatory molecules and their time of action in both patients with severe head injury and animal models of neurotrauma. We use two well established animal models that generate either a focal cortical contusion or diffuse axonal injury. The spatial and temporal changes in the expression of numerous immune and apoptotic mediators are being determined in order to elucidate whether distinct types of brain damage are characterised by similar or selective molecular responses. We then validate the clinical relevance of the findings obtained on animal models by analysing the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with severe brain injury. Once neurotoxic molecules are identified, preclinical studies are undertaken to assess the protective action of blocking specific inflammatory mediators.

These projects are being established in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery and the Intensive Care Unit at the Alfred Hospital as well as other institutions in Melbourne and abroad.

The research activity of our laboratory is strongly supported by the Victorian Trauma Foundation.

Neurosurgical Research Group

Overseen by Prof. Jeffrey Rosenfeld, the neurosurgical Research Group is undertaking a number of basic research projects with direct clinical links.

Basic Research