Michael Chopp, professor of physics at Oakland University and scientific director of the Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute, recently led a study that was selected as one of the top 10 research advances for 2001 by the American Heart Association.

Chopp and his team used, for the first time, bone marrow cells to reduce stroke-induced disability in research. The study, published in the April issue of "Stroke," found intravenous treatment with adult donor rat stromal cells (mature cells from bone marrow) allowed the rats to return to normal or near normal function within 14 days of a stroke.

"This study suggests that an infusion of the patient's own stromal cells provides significant benefit to the stroke patient and are easily administered," Chopp said. "We believe we have a therapy that shows promise in treating stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury."

An internationally recognized expert in the development and treatment of stroke, Chopp was among a small international group of scientists invited by the World Health Organization to Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss how best to study and treat this disease. He also has received four major grants from the National Institute of Health.

While the focus of Chopp's research is the development of treatments for stroke, he and his group also have developed novel imaging methods using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that permit the non-invasive evaluation of the health status of brain tissue. These techniques allow doctors to identify whether brain cells are simply affected and compromised by a stroke, are in the process of dying or are already dead.

As an active member of OU's Center for Biomedical Research, Chopp works with other biomedical researchers to vigorously support and promote this kind of research and education at Oakland University and other allied institutions. He and his colleagues also work to recruit and retain outstanding scientists; facilitate collaborative biomedical research projects; and develop gift, grant, and contract support for biomedical research programs, graduate and undergraduate training, core facilities and equipment.

For more information, visit the Center for Biomedical Research Web site or call (248) 370-2085.