Research Projects
Neuroprotection in Rodent Stroke Models


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☒ MPhil/PhD ☑ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

Objective and Significance:

The overall objective is to define the neuroprotective mechanisms ofneuropeptide Y-Yl receptor inhibition or melatonin in in vivo or in vitro rodent stroke models.

The results may broaden our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischaemic brain damage and lead to novel treatments of stroke in patients.

Research Plan and Methodology:

Studies will be performed in adult rats or mice. Endovascular middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) will be used as the in vivo stroke model. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) will be used as the in vitro stroke model. Nitric oxide may be measured in some experiments. In addition to neuropeptide Y, its receptor analogs, or melatonin, other chemicals will be used to modulate the levels of some established mediators of ischemic damage such as nitric oxide, calcium, and glutamate. Results will indicate whether neuroprotection from neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptor inhibition or melatonin is mediated via any of the established mediators of ischemic damage.

Professor RTF Cheung, Department of Medicine

Biography
rtcheung@hkucc.hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

  1. your CV,
  2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
  3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information. 

Research @ Department of Medicine