Dr. Jeff F. Dunn

Tissues respond to low oxygen through a range of mechanisms - from genetic to behavioral. We are developing and applying a range of technologies to study oxygen levels in tissues and how these relate to disease processes. We are also using MR microscopy and quantified MRI to study white matter degeneration, vascular adaptation and molecular imaging in animal models. We have developed methods to non-invasively study angiogenesis in brain in response to chronic low-oxygen -  such as may occur in stroke, MS and high altituted medicine. Animal models include stroke, epilepsy, cancer and MS. We are translating optical technologies to the clinic in areas such as epilepsy, stroke, psychiatry and sports medicine. By using a combination of imaging and histological studies, we aim to determine how the brain adapts to hypoxia, and to apply that knowledge to treatment of conditions such as stroke and migraine.