Contact
Research/Lab Website
Roles
Professor of Neurology
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Biography
Dr. Ami P. Raval serves as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She had previous training in the physiology of reproduction. She coupled her prior knowledge with laboratory research on the pathophysiology of stroke. Her research focuses on (1) understanding the effects of estrogen on neuronal survival after ischemic episode, and (2) the role of nicotine addiction on beneficial effects of estrogen on hippocampal neurons subjected to ischemia. The results of her laboratory research indicate that nicotine addiction makes females more susceptible to ischemic brain damage. The severity of ischemic brain damage is far greater in females simultaneously exposed to oral contraceptives than to nicotine only. Overall her study aim to identify the mechanism of deleterious effects of nicotine that are unique to the female brain and the acquired knowledge will guide us towards novel pharmacological strategies specific for women. -
Education & Training
Education
Post Graduate Training
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Honors & Awards
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Teaching Interests
Neuroscience, Problem based learning for Medical students -
Research Interests
Sex differences, estrogen, and cerebral ischemia
Stroke disproportionately kills more women than men and a woman’s risk and severity for stroke increases exponentially following the onset of menopause. Menopause is an inevitable event in a woman's life and is demarcated by an increase in circulating follicle stimulating hormone and decrease of ovarian hormone estrogen. Estrogen regulates multiple brain functions and is a potent neuroprotective agent. Our research aims to understand the mechanisms by which estrogen provides ischemic neuroprotection and is responsible for sex differences in ischemic pathophysiology.
Smoking tobacco, nicotine, and cerebral ischemia
Women who smoke cigarettes while using oral contraceptives (OC) increase their risk for and severity of stroke compared to nonsmoking women who use OC. In recent years traditional cigarette users are switching to electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-Cig). Nicotine is the common addictive and toxic ingredient in traditional and e-Cig. Our research aims to investigate mechanisms by which combination of nicotine and OC exacerbates the severity of ischemic episodes in females and the impact of smoking cessation on brain.
Cognition and cerebral ischemia
Mild cognitive impairment and frailty are two of the most common conditions affecting women undergoing menopause. Studies emphasize the emerging concept that improvement in cognitive and physical impairments could be predictive of each other. Even a mild ischemic episode can result in a menopausal woman becoming frail and cognitively impaired. Our research aims to test the efficacy of physical exercise or whole body vibration interventions to enhance recovery and ameliorate cognitive deficits after stroke. -
Publications
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Professional Activities
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