Dr. Vergina Chavushyan-Papyan

Head of Laboratory
Doctor of biological sciences

E-mail: verginechavushyan@gmail.com

The important physiological role hormones have in structural and functional integration of the central nervous system, determines their pathological changes in conditions of hypo- and hyper function of endocrine system. Chronic insufficiency of adrenal hormones and estrogens is the pathology that causes dementia. We study the synaptic activity of neuronal networks involved in memory processes in neurodegeneration induced by bilateral ovariectomy. Microelectrophysiological methods were used to assess the effectiveness of synthetic estrogen hormone replacement therapy and medicinal plant extracts. We study the electrophysiological criteria of synaptic plasticity of neuronal networks involved in memory processes in Abeta-induced and adrenalectomy-induced (separately and combined) neurodegeneration. In these conditions, we study the role of hormonal factors in the mechanisms controlling the emotional component of cognitive functions. Convergence of signaling pathways of neuronal insulin-like growth factors and molecular mechanisms of the anti-apoptotic cascade indicates the relationship between insulinotropic and neuroprotective activities and the need to assess the efficacy of medicinal plants with these properties (Stevia rebaudiana, Cichorium intybus, Teucrium polium) either separately or combined. In spinal cord motoneurons and in motor centers of the brain electrophysiological methods are used to assess the efficacy of nucleotide therapy and phytotherapy after the sciatic nerve injury. Functional tests are also used to assesss the degree of motor and sensory reinnervation.

Since 2008, head of the Laboratory of Neuroendocrine relationships, Orbeli Institute of Physiology is Vergina Chavushyan-Papyan, DSc.

Collaboration

Within the framework of cooperation with G.S.Davtyan Institute of Hydroponics Problems, National Academy of Sciences and Department of Pharmacognosy, Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi in experimental animal models we study comparative therapeutic efficacy of ethanol / water dry extracts and raw materials with different contents of active substances (total flavonoids, terpenoids, stevioside, inulin and microelements):

1. Neurodegeneration of brain caused by endocrine disorders (ovariectomy, adrenalectomy).
2. Spinal cord neurodegeneration caused by traumatic injury (compression of the sciatic nerve and spinal cord)
3. Impaired glucose metabolism (metabolic syndrome and streptozotocin-induced diabetes)

The data obtained indicate the high efficiency of ecologically clean medicinal raw materials with programmed qualitative and quantitative composition, indicating benefits of plant raw material using hydroponic methods.

In collaboration with the Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Biology Faculty of Yerevan State University we study the role of exogenous and endogenous hypothalamic neuropeptide PRP in modulation of vestibular compensation.

Within the framework of cooperation with Department of Physiology, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi we studied the role of parathyroid hormone in spinal cord neurons and within the correction of Аβ-induced neurodegeneration.

Within the framework of cooperation with the Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi is studied the electrophysiological correlates of modulatory role of hypothalamic neuropeptide PRP and the embryonic proteoglycans in the models of Аβ-induced neurodegeneration.

The laboratory collaborates with Health-Resort Center “SCENAR” LTD in Yerevan. For non-invasive therapeutic effects on the skin surface in order to regulate the physiological systems was used SCENAR - self-controlled Energo Neuro Adaptive Regulator. In the structures of the brain with different neurotransmitter status was investigated the electrophysiological correlates of action during stimulation of acupuncture zones by SCENAR device.