welcome to the detrelab

Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania

The lab's research interests include cerebrovascular physiology, physiology of functional activation, cognitive neuroimaging, and clinical applications of functional neuroimaging, particularly in stroke and epilepsy. Current research interests represent an integrated program that ranges from basic investigations to clinical diagnosis and is consolidated around several topics, all of which pertain to neuroimaging in neuropsychiatric disorders of the CNS. Specific areas of investigation include:

• Noninvasive perfusion MRI using arterial spin labeling (ASL), including methods, development and applications. We are in the process of examining the utility of ASL for diagnosis, management, and studying underlying pathophysiology in a variety of disorders, including chronic cerebrovascular disease, acute stroke, and in relation to intervensions such as carotid endarterectomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. We are also examining the use of ASL perfusion MRI for imaging regional brain function during cognitive and sensorimotor tasks and for studying behavioral state changes and responses to pharmacological challenge.
• Applications of functional MRI (fMRI) in focal epilepsy, including localization of seizure foci and the use of memory paradigms to determine patient lateralization before frontal lobe surgery. The ultimate goal of this area of investigation is to use fMRI to improve seizure localization, predict memory deficits following temporal lobectomy, and suggest tailored resections to avoid this complication.
• Physiology of activation-flow coupling, and its modulation under pathophysiological conditions. Initial studies have used laser Doppler flowmetry, somatosensory evoked responses, dynamic phosphorescence quenching, and oxygen and nitric oxide sensitive electrodes to characterize this response and the effects of pharmacological and pathophysiological interventions on measured parameters in a rat model of functional activation.
• Collaborative research: The lab serves as a Neuroimaging Core for the Northeast Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Network. Through this and other collaborations, we are involved in research in cognition, dementia, drug addiction, and schizo-affective disorders.