Medical University of South Carolina logo
Home|Video Library|Podcast Library|e-Newsletters|Classes & Events|About Us|Community Blog|University & Colleges 
Contact Us | 843-792-1414

Patients & Visitors

Medical Services

Maps & Parking

Health Library

Physician Portal

Careers

Online Services
About the MS Clinic
Our Team & Services
Diagnosis & Management
Neuro-ophthalmology
Neruopsychology
Clinical Trials
Basic Scientists
About MS
Treatment
Community Services
Online Resources
Maps & Directions
Contact Us
Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
Bookmark Page icon Bookmark|

Print this page icon

|

E-mail icon

MUSC Multiple Sclerosis Clinic : Our Services : Basic Scientists : William Tyor, M.D.

William Tyor, M.D.Research efforts focus on the role of the immune system in pathological processes of the central nervous system using murine models. Our primary focus is to examine the immune response during viral encephalitis. Research efforts focus on the role of the immune system in pathological processes of the central nervous system using murine models.

Our primary focus is to examine the immune response during viral encephalitis. A model of HIV encephalitis in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice was developed whereby HIV-infected or uninfected human mononuclear cells are injected intracerebrally. Pathologically these brains closely resemble the changes seen in humans with this condition. In addition these mice exhibit behavioral abnormalities similar to those seen in humans with HIV dementia. Currently we are funded to study: 1) the effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy administration in HIV encephalitis in SCID mice, 2) the role of Interferon-alpha in HIV encephalitis in SCID mice, 3) the effects of opiate administration in HIV encephalitis in SCID mice and 4) the examination of different viral clades on the development of HIV encephalitis in SCID mice. Ultimately, we will identify mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HIV encephalitis so that better treatment strategies can be developed.

Techniques currently being used include tissue sectioning, immunohistochemical staining methods, in situ TUNEL assay, and other procedures for the pathological evaluation of tissue sections. We use ELISA and Western blots for protein quantitation. RNA is extracted from brain for quantitative ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) as well as quantitative traditional and real time PCR for detection of various mRNA’s of interest. These include various cytokines, chemokines, HIV genes and others. We also monitor these mice with different behavioral tests including the water radial arm maze. Other research interests include the immunopathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and spinal cord injury in rodent models.

Request an Appointment with Dr. Tyor

 New patients may call
    MUSC Health 
    Connection at 843-792-
    1414
Request an appointment
    using our online form

Patient Referral Information

Physicians call MEDULINE
at 1-800-922-5250
Page last updated:  12/13/2010
About This Site
   |   Disclaimer   |  Privacy   |   Accessibility   |   Donations   |   Site Map
171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403 1.843.792.1414 | © 2012 Medical University of South Carolina
MUSC Health Mobile Web site iconMUSC Health News RSS feeds iconMUSC Health Text Messaging iconPodcast Library iconTwitter iconYou Tube iconblogger logoView all
social media
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health information: verify here.