Joseph Arezzo

Professor
Electrophysiological analysis of cortical and subcortical mechanisms associated with sensorimotor processes in behaving
monkeys; neurologic function in mutant mice.

Kennedy Center
Room 322
(718) 430-2468

joseph.arezzo@einstein.yu.edu

Our laboratory uses a variety of neurophysiologic techniques to explore normal and altered function in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Experimental procedures include EEG, evoked potentials, ensemble and single unit recordings, current source density, and conduction velocity.  For the past several decades, we have focused on the timing and spatial distribution of neuroelectric events in the neocortex of behaving monkeys. Current studies explore the complex auditory processing of components of speech and music in primary auditory cortex.  In addition to our “basic science” studies, we have examined biomarkers of nerve damage in a variety of animal models, including transgenic and mutant mice, diabetic neuropathy, seizure disorders, neurotoxic insult and iatrogenic deficits of central and peripheral nerve function. Finally, we have participated in the “translation” of basic neuroscience principles to human clinical studies. We are currently involved in the design and conduct of multicenter Phase 1-4 clinical trials of experimental therapies intended to reduce or prevent diabetic and chemotherapy-induced neuropathies, to improve the treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and to monitor the treatment-related CNS effects of compounds targeting HIV infection, cancer and depression. In this latter capacity, we have worked with the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Selected Publications

Arezzo, J.C.,  Litwak, M, and Zotova, E. (2011) Correlation and Dissociation of Electrophysiology and Histopathology in the Assessment of Toxic Neuropathy. Toxicologic Pathology 39:1 46-51.

Foster, W.R. Car, B.D., Shi, H, Levesque, .PC., Obemeier M.T., Gan, J.,  Arezzo, J.C. et al. (2011) Drug safety is a barrier to the discovery and development of new androgen receptor antagonist. Prostate 5:480-8.

Dyck, P.J., Albers, J.W., Andersen H., Arezzo, J.C. et al. (2011) Diabetic Polyneuropathies: Update on Research Definitions, Diagnostic Criteria and Estimation of Severity.  Diabetes Metab Res Rev (Epub ahead of print)

Schaumburg, H.H., Zotova, E., Raine, C.S., Tar, M., Arezzo, J.C. (2010) The caudal nerves: a model system for experimental neuropathies, Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System 15: 128-139.

Charles, M., Soedamah-Muthu, S.S., Tesfaye, S., Fuller, J.H., Arezzo, J.C., Charturvedi, N.  Witte, D.R. and the Eurodiab PCS investigators. (2010) The presence of diabetic microvascular  complications in the principal determinant of low peripheral nerve conduction velocity and amplitude in type 1 diabetes: The Eurodiab Perspective Complications Study.  Diabetes Care, 33:12 2648-2653.

Arezzo, J.C. (2009) What unique properties differentiate the various botulinum toxin products? Toxicon 54:690-696.

Melman, A., Disanto, M., Davies, K., Zotova, E.G., and Arezzo, J.C. (2009) Longitudinal studies of time-dependent changes in both bladder and erectile function after streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Fischer F344 male rats. British Journal of Urology Internatinal. 104:9 1292-1300.

Swain, S.M. and Arezzo, J.C. (2008) Neuropathy associated with microtubule inhibitors: Diagnosis incidence, and management. Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology, 6(6):455-46.

Zotova, E.G., Schaumburg, H.H., Raine, C.S., Cannella, B., Tar, M., Melman, A and Arezzo, J.C. (2008) Effects of hyperglycemia on rat cavernous nerve axons: a functional and ultrastructural study, Experimental Neurology 213:439-447.

Arezzo, J.C., Rosenstock, J. LaMoreaue, L. and Pauer, L. (2008) Efficacy and safety of pregabalin 600 mg/d for treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. BMC Neurology 8:33.