Physiology

Student Name: Agnieszka A. Zurek|
Supervisor: Dr. Beverley Orser, Full Professor, Departments of Anesthesia and Physiology, University of Toronto
PhD Thesis: Increased activity of GABAA  receptors contributes to postanesthetic memory deficits

Thesis Summary: During my PhD I elucidated a mechanism by which anesthetics cause long-term memory loss (Zurek et al. J Clin Invest 2014) and showed the first potential treatment strategy for anesthetic-induced memory deficits (Zurek et al. Anesth Analg 2012). Specifically, I showed that anesthesia triggers a sustained increase in the activity and expression of GABA(A) receptors in the hippocampus, which is associated with memory deficits and persists after the drug has been eliminated (Zurek et al. J Clin Invest 2014). These results have changed our understanding about the long-term consequences of acute anesthetic exposure and challenge conventional thinking that the effects of anesthetics are rapidly reversed. The results also present a previously unrecognized long-term effect of anesthetics on GABA(A) receptor physiology.

Academic Accomplishments: During her PhD studies, Agnes contributed to 8 peer-reviewed papers, a book chapter and 29 meeting abstracts. In addition, Agnes organized the departmental neuroscience journal club for one year and worked as a teaching assistant in several courses in the Human Biology Program. During her studies, Agnes held the NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship at both the MSc and PhD level. In addition, she obtained one of twelve Heart and Stroke Doctoral Awards. A publication that resulted from her PhD work was recently recognized with the Institute of Mental Health and Addiction Brain Star Award. Agnes obtained the Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Postdoctoral Award and is currently pursuing postdoctoral studies in the lab of Dr. Jaideep Bains at the University of Calgary.