The PhD defence will be fully digital and streamed directly using Zoom. The host of the session will moderate the technicalities while the chair of the defence will moderate the disputation.
Ex auditorio questions: the chair of the defence will invite the audience to ask ex auditorio questions either written or oral. This can be requested by clicking 'Participants -> Raise hand'.
-
Join the disputation
- Request the thesis as pdf (opens e-mail)
Trial lecture
Title - Neurogenesis and mood regulation
Main research findings
During intensive exercise, the skeletal muscles release lactate, which may activate the lactate receptor HCA1. In the project we investigated the effects HCA1 activation on the generation of new neurons. Surprisingly, we found that only one of the two neurogenic niches, the subventricular zone, had increased neurogenesis in response to activation of HCA1 by exercise or lactate. In the other neurogenic niche, the subgranular zone of the hippocampus, exercise induce neurogenesis but this was independent of HCA1. Higher exercise intensity was found to give higher neurogenesis effect in both regions compared to exercise at lower intensity.
Interestingly, in a mouse model of stroke, lactate injections at 24 and 48 h after stroke onset led to an almost 50 % reduction in the tissue loss mice who have HCA1, but not in mice lacking HCA1. This effect was accompanied by a significant increase of blood vessel formation.
This PhD project has characterized the role of HCA1 in the two main sites of neurogenesis in the brain. The project provides insight into how different exercise intensities affect neurogenesis differently, and how HCA1 may be neuroprotective in stroke. These findings may provide valuable information for suggesting a more effective stroke treatment.
See also (in Norwegian)
Mjølkesyre som vert injisert, påverkar hjernen annleis enn den kroppen lagar sjølv (Titan, Feb 2021)