Virginia Commonwealth University · NeuroscienceDeshpande Lab
Laxmikant S Deshpande · Richmond, Virginia
Research Focus
Dr. Laxmikant Deshpande's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding and treating the neurological impacts of organophosphate exposure, which can lead to status epilepticus (SE) and long-term brain damage. The lab is exploring verapamil, a medication commonly used for heart conditions, as a potential therapy to protect the brain and reduce inflammation caused by organophosphate toxicity. They use animal models to assess the effectiveness of this treatment and its impact on cognitive function and seizures.
neuroprotectionorganophosphate toxicitystatus epilepticusanti-inflammatory therapyverapamilcognitive functionneuroinflammationseizure managementrat modelspharmacokinetics
Research Aims
4AIM 01Assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of repeated verapamil injections in a rat model.
AIM 02Evaluate the effects of verapamil on reducing neuronal death and neuroinflammation post organophosphate exposure.
AIM 03Optimize verapamil therapy by testing various doses and treatment durations.
AIM 04Investigate the functional outcomes of verapamil therapy on anxiety, cognitive impairment, and seizure recurrence.
Skills the Lab Values
animal handlingintramuscular injectionsimmunohistochemistrybehavioral assayselectroencephalography (EEG)data analysisdrug formulationpharmacokinetic studiescalcium imagingFluoro-Jade C staining
Output against the department
Publications72bottom 20% of dept.537th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.6kbottom 17% of dept.560th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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