My primary research interest is investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory processes and cognitive dysfunction in the diseased or injured brain. I use a combination of molecular and behavioral tools to provide a global perspective on how aberrant brain function translates into behavioral deficits. Recent projects focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which agents targeting dopamine or serotonin neurotransmission improve functional outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Current projects include investigating changes in complex motor behavior and dopamine neurotransmission following injury to the striatum. These studies utilize the controlled cortical impact model of TBI in the rat. Techniques include immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, RT-PCR, radioligand binding, light and fluorescence microscopy, and behavioral assessments. The long-term goal of these studies is to aid in the development of new treatments to alleviate chronic cognitive and motor deficits that TBI patients suffer.

HONORS AND AWARDS

PUBLICATIONS

Refereed Articles

1. O’Dell, D.M., Gibson, C.G., Wilson, M.S., DeFord, S.M., & Hamm, R.J. (2000) Positive and negative modulation of the GABAA receptor and outcome after traumatic brain injury in rats. Brain Research, 861, 325-332.

2. DeFord, S.M., Wilson, M.S., Gibson, C.G., Baranova, A.I., & Hamm, R.J. (2001). Nefiracetam improves Morris water maze performance following traumatic brain injury in rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 69, 611-616.

3. Rice, A.R., Zsoldos, R., Chen, T., Wilson, M.S., Alessandri, B., Hamm, R.J., Bullock, M.R. (2002). Lactate Administration Attenuates Cognitive Deficits Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Research, 928, 156-159.

4. DeFord, S.M., Wilson, M.S., Rice, A.C., Clausen, T., Rice, L.K., Baranova, A., Bullock, M.R., Hamm, R.J., (2002). Repeated mild brain injuries result in cognitive impairment in B6C3F1 mice. Journal of Neurotrauma, 19(4), 427-438.

5. Wilson, M.S., & Hamm, R.J. (2002). The effects of fluoxetine on the 5-HT1A receptor and recovery of cognitive function after traumatic brain injury in rats. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81(5), 364-372.

6. Wilson, M.S., Gibson, C.G., Hamm, R.J. (2003). Haloperidol, but not olanzapine, impairs functional recovery after traumatic brain injury in rats. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 82(11), 871-879.

7. Wilson, M.S., Reynolds, I.J., Dixon, C.E. (submitted for publication). Synaptosomal DA uptake in rat striatum following controlled cortical impact. European Journal of Pharmacology.

8. Wilson, M.S., Jenkins, L.W., Ma, X.M., Dixon C.E. (manuscript in preparation) Fluoro-Jade B/DAPI staining following controlled cortical impact in rats.

Published Abstracts

1. Wilson, M.S., Hamm, R.J., DeFord, S.M., Gibson, C.J., & Buck, D. (1999) Effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on cognitive performance following experimental traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma. 16(10), 973.

2. Michaels, M.P., Gibson, C.J., Wilson, M.S., & Hamm, R.J. (2000) Post-injury glucose improves cognitive function following fluid percussion injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 17(10), 993.

3. Wilson, M.S., Hamm, R.J. (2000). 5-HT1A expression following lateral fluid percussion injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 17(10), 958.

4. Gibson, C.J., Wilson, M.S., Golden, K.G., & Hamm, R.J. (2000) Chronic haloperidol treatment is detrimental to cognitive performance. Journal of Neurotrauma, 17(10), 957.

5. DeFord, S.M., Rice, A.C., Wilson, M.S., & Hamm, R.J. (2000) Repeated mild head injuries in B6C3F1 mice result in altered NF, MAP2 and C-APP. Journal of Neurotrauma, 17(10), 941.

6. Sun, D.A., Sombati, S., Gibson, C.J., Wilson, M.S., Hamm, R.J., DeLorenzo, R.J. (2001) Traumatic brain injury results in prolonged alterations in calcium homeostasis. Journal of Neurotrauma, 18(10), 1178.

7. Sombati, S., Sun, D.A., Gibson, C.J., Wilson, M.S., Churn, S.B., DeLorenzo, R.J., Hamm, R.J. (2001) Traumatic brain injury results in decreased GABAA receptor function. Journal of Neurotrauma, 18(10), 1181.

8. Chen, T., Rice, A.R., Zsoldos, R., Wilson, M.S., Hamm, R.J., Bullock, R. (2001) Lactate administration attenuates cognitive deficits following traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 18(10), 1171.

9. Baranova, A., Wilson, M.S., Gibson, C.J., Hamm, R.J. (2001) The effects of chronic nicotine exposure in adolescent rats on Morris water maze performance after fluid percussion injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 18(10), 1184.

10. Wilson, M.S., Li, Y., Ma, X., & Dixon, C.E. (2002) Changes in DARPP-32 protein expression following controlled cortical impact. Journal of Neurotrauma, 19(10).

11. Wilson, M.S., Ma, X., Reynolds, I.J., & Dixon, C.E. (2002) Synaptosomal dopamine uptake in rat striatum following controlled cortical impact. Journal of Neurotrauma, 19(10).

Presentations

1. Wilson, M.S., Hamm, R.J., DeFord, S.M., Gibson, C.J., & Buck, D. Effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on cognitive performance following experimental traumatic brain injury. National Neurotrauma Society 17th Annual Symposium. Miami, Florida. October 22-23, 1999.

2. Wilson, M.S., Hamm, R.J., DeFord, S.M., Gibson, C.J., & Buck, D. Effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on cognitive performance following experimental traumatic brain injury. The Sixteenth Annual Daniel T. Watts Research Poster Symposium. Richmond, Virginia. November 2-4, 1999.

3. Wilson, M.S., Hamm, R.J., DeFord, S.M., Gibson, C.J., & Buck, D. Effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on cognitive performance following experimental traumatic brain injury. Twenty-eighth Annual John C. Forbes Honors Colloquium. Richmond, Virginia. March