Eric Wohleb

B.A. in Mathematics and Psychology, Saint John's University

Thesis Advisors:  Jonathan Godbout and John Sheridan

E-Mail: wohleb.1@osu.edu   

Research:

My primary research interest centers on the interaction between the central nervous system and the immune system. We use a unique model of social stress termed Repeated Social Defeat (RSD) to study the relationship between these systems. Following RSD mice exhibit changes in peripheral and central immune cells without any further intervention. Immune cells within and in the proximity of the central nervous system are important mediators of the neuronal micro-environment. Any alterations in these immune cells will result in morphological and gene expression adaptations in neurons. Modifications in neuronal morphology and gene expression can generate variable excitability and firing frequency, which can manifest as behavioral consequences. Therefore if we are able to attenuate some of the activation within these immune cells we may be able to find therapies to alleviate immune and behavioral consequences of stress.