Estrogen and Testosterone in Experimental Stroke
Patricia D. Hurn, Ph.D. – Principal Investigator

Over the past ten years, our research has emphasized that the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of ischemic brain injury is strongly influenced by gender and by estrogen deficiency.  We have learned, for example, that native estrogens (or 17β estradiol administered at physiological levels) reduce neuronal damage after an ischemic event. 

In order to formulate therapies for stroke survivors of both sexes, it is essential to more fully understand the role of male and female sex steroids in mechanisms of cell damage. 

Up to this point, we have studied primarily brain parenchyma and neurons in our search for estrogen’s anti-ischemic actions.  In this project, we have expanded our focus to learn how estradiol acts within normal vs post-ischemic cerebral blood vessels.  Furthermore, we are investigating pathways by which androgens affect outcome from ischemic injury in the middle-aged male animal.

This research is funded by the National Institutes of Health.