STROKE RESEARCH

Stroke Research

The objective of the Perron Institute’s Stroke Research led by Adjunct Associate Professor Bruno Meloni and Clinical Professor Neville Knuckey is to develop treatments to minimise brain damage after stroke and cerebral ischaemia.

Researchers have discovered that peptides rich in the amino acid arginine are highly neuroprotective and can limit brain damage after a stroke.

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer after coronary heart disease and a leading cause of disability. One in six people will suffer from a stroke during their lifetime with over 400,000 Australians currently living with the debilitating aftereffects of the disorder. By 2032, it is estimated that over 700,000 Australian will be living with the effects of stroke.

Stroke Research Focus

At present, available treatments are not satisfactory. To this end, the Stroke Research Group have been:

1. Identifying and characterising potential neuroprotective proteins
2. Assessing the potential of the sodium calcium exchanger (NCX) membrane ion transporter to protect neurons from ischaemia;
3. Assessing the efficacy of mild hypothermia when used with magnesium and other putative neuroprotective agents/treatments; and
4. Assessing the potential of arginine-rich peptides as neuroprotective agents.