NEC Seminar, 19 September 2025
Speaker: Hannah Morgan
Sears 439
Lab: Restoring Lower Limb Neural Connection (ReLiNC)
PI: Hamid Charkhkar
Title: Control of Skin Blood Flow is Altered by Peripheral Nerve Disturbance: Quantification and Potential for Intervention
Abstract:
There is a complex bidirectional relationship between the nervous system and small vessels in the skin. Control of blood flow in the skin microvasculure is critical for tissue oxygenation, thermoregulation, and healing. This control is particularly important in the skin’s protective responses to potentially harmful stimuli.
Microvascular control is achieved through interactions between the vessels and multiple peripheral nerve fiber types. It involves both feedback and feed foward elements. The effects on this bidirectional relationship after nerves are damaged or injured have been clinically documented but are not well understood mechanistically, preventing the development of effective interventions. This study leveraged the reflexive vasodilation response to heat to study how microvascular control is affected after peripheral nerve disturbance in two populations: individuals with lower limb amputation and individuals with nerve damage due to diabetic neuropathy.
This presentation will cover findings and key takeaways of this study currently in preparation for a manuscript. Early results will also be presented from the planned follow up study exploring the potential for interventions using peripheral nerve stimulation to improve tissue health in the lower limb.