Posts by Arjane Kerkhoven

The effect of environmental levels of lead on zebrafish development

Lead exposure has a negative influence on the developing brain and body. Zebrafish research allows us to understand the effects of lead poisoning on the different stages of life.

A 5-HT1A agonist and NMDA antagonist against Parkinson’s disease

Reducing side effects of L-Dopa with 5-HT1A receptor agonists can improve motor activity in a Parkinson’s disease model when combined with NMDA antagonists.

In utero alcohol exposure, the effects on brain and behavior

About 10% of women worldwide drink during their pregnancy. This could cause the fetus to suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome, which can lead altered tissue structures in the brain to motor deficits.

Extracellular vesicles from umbilical cords improve traumatic spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is crippling and hard to treat. Secondary injury caused by inflammation and scarring significantly impact motor function and locomotion. Extracellular vesicles can improve recovery.

Suture anchors for rotator cuff injuries: a new animal model

Almost half of the people over the age of 60 have a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder. Research is aimed at improving surgical techniques, but techniques used in animal models differ from those applied on humans.

Home cage behavior and epilepsy in the Stargazer mutant mouse

Using long-term home cage behavioral research, scientists successfully created a behavioral characterization of Stargazer mutant mouse, a model often used in epilepsy research.

(Un)social rats: the role of dopamine and the amygdala in social adversity

With optogenetics and behavioral testing, researchers found a link between infant social adversity and decreased social behavior in the circuitry of the amygdala.

Part 2: How researchers use the Morris water maze to find treatments for AD

In this second part of a two-part mini series, we highlight two more studies on potential Alzheimer’s disease treatments that are investigated using a Morris water maze.

How researchers use the Morris water maze to find treatments for Alzheimer's

In this first part of a two-part mini series, we highlight how potential Alzheimer’s disease treatments are being investigated using a Morris water maze.

Vestibulopathy: movement and balance issues investigated in rats

It is hard to diagnose vestibulopathy, so a rat model was developed to study the progress of symptoms, from day one to day 30 after ear injury. Results can improve future human diagnosis and therapy options.

Father’s genes affect their offspring’s future success

The early life environment of male bank voles can influence their offspring significantly. Both social stress and nutrient supply have an effect on the chances of survival for two generations.

Taking opioids during pregnancy: short- and long-term consequences in rats

Women worldwide are suffering from opioid addiction. Many receive so-called opioid-maintenance therapy using bup, but consequences for both mother and baby are largely unknown.