Research Summary
Dr. Morrison's research interests include investigations into the basic mechanisms of cellular metabolism in the nervous system and of neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Current research focuses on developing novel treatments for ALS and peripheral neuropathies based on augmenting the supply of the energy metabolite, lactate.
Selected Publications
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PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:
1) Morrison, B.M., Gordon, J.W., Ripps, M.E., and Morrison, J.H. (1996) Quantitative immunocytochemical analysis of the spinal cord in G86R superoxide dismutase transgenic mice: neurochemical correlates of selective vulnerability. J. Comp. Neurol. 373 (4): 619-631.
2) Morrison, B.M., Janssen, W.G., Gordon, J.W., and Morrison, J.H. (1998) Time course of neuropathology in the spinal cord of G86R superoxide dismutase transgenic mice. J. Comp. Neurol 391 (1): 64-77.
3) Morrison, B.M., Janssen, W.G., Gordon, J.W., and Morrison, J.H. (1998) Light and electron microscopic distribution of the AMPA receptor subunit, GluR2, in the spinal cord of control and G86R mutant superoxide dismutase transgenic mice. J. Comp. Neurol. 395: 523-534.
4) Morrison, B.M., Shu, I-Wei, Wilcox, A.L., Gordon, J.W., and Morrison, J.H. (2000) Early and selective pathology of light chain neurofilament in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve of G86R mutant superoxide dismutase transgenic mice. Exp. Neurol. 165: 207-220.
5) Kiaei, M., Bush, A.I., Morrison, B.M., Morrison, J.H., Cherny, R.A., Volitakis, I., Beal, M.F., and Gordon, J.W. (2004) Genetically decreased spinal cord copper concentration prolongs life in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J. Neurosci. 24: 7945-7950.
6) Morrison, B.M., Lang C.H., Vary T.C., Seehra J.S., Wagner K.R. (2007) Pharmacological inhibition of myostatin leads to hypertrophy of denervated and non-denervated muscle by activating protein synthesis. Muscle Nerve, submitted.
REVIEW ARTICLES AND BOOK CHAPTERS:
1) Morrison, B.M., Morrison, J.H., and Gordon, J.W. (1998) Superoxide dismutase and neurofilament transgenic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J. Exp. Zoology 282: 32-47.
2) Morrison, B.M., Hof, P.R., and Morrison, J.H. (1998) Determinants of neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases. Ann. Neurol. 44 (Suppl. 1): S32-S44.
3) Morrison, B.M., Hof, P.R., and Morrison, J.H. (1998) Determinants of neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases. Olanow, C.W. and Jenner, P., eds. Neuroprotection in Parkinsons disease. Beyond the Decade of the Brain, Volume 3. Royal Turnbridge Wells, UK: Wells Medical Limited.
4) Morrison, B.M., and Morrison, J.H. (1999) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with mutations in superoxide dismutase: a putative mechanism of degeneration. Brain Res. Rev. 29: 121-135.
5) Morrison, B.M., and Hoke, A. (2004) Clinical cases in neurology from Johns Hopkins. Case 6: when is a headache not just a headache? MedGenMed. 6: 48.
ABSTRACTS:
1) Morrison, B.M., Gordon, J.W., Hof, P.R., Ripps, M.E., and Morrison J.H. (1995) Immunohistochemical characterization of degenerating neurons in the spinal cord of mutant superoxide dismutase transgenic mice. Society for Neuroscience Abstract 21, 387.14.
2) Morrison, B.M., Gordon, J.W., and Morrison, J.H. (1996) Neurochemical markers of vulnerability and protection in mutant superoxide dismutase transgenic mice. Society for Neuroscience Abstract 22, 648.6.
3) Morrison, B.M, Gordon, J.W. Janssen, W.G., and Morrison J.H. (1997) Distribution of the AMPA receptor subunit, GluR2, in the spinal cord of control and mutant superoxide dismutase transgenic mice. Society for Neuroscience Abstract 23, 742-7.
4) Morrison, B.M., Shetty R.S., Wagner K.R. (2007) Myostatin null mice or mice treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of myostatin have less muscle atrophy in response to denervation than wild-type mice. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting: P07.041.