New PharmaTox members

My expertise is in preclinical neuroscience, where I focus on toxic and protective mechanisms. Previous studies include the effects of valproate (Orfiril) on neuronal signaling and neuronal death, and studies of neurotoxic effects of propionate. Lately, my focus has been on protective mechanisms of exercise in the brain. We have discovered that a lactate receptor (hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1; HCAR1) is present and active in the brain (Lauritzen et al., 2014). Recently, we identified the activation of HCAR1 as a key regulator of angiogenesis in the brain (Morland et al., 2017). I currently have a young research talent’s grant from the Research council of Norway (2017-2021): “Lactate-sensing fibroblasts in stroke”. The aim is to identify new therapeutic targets for the prevention /therapy of stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders. My group employs animal models to mimic human disease and/or the use of medications. We investigate behavioral effects of diseases, drugs, and exercise, combined with histological examinations at the light, confocal or electron microscopic level. We also use primary cell cultures and established cell lines as models for mechanistic studies.

I teach several courses at the School of Pharmacy, but my main responsibility is the course in Pharmaceutical toxicology FRM5720 (master level); FRM9720 (PhD level).

My group consist of:

​

All photos: private