Allyson Croxford

PhD Student Bsc(Hons) Biochemistry, (Monash) Room: Building 13D, room D435 Phone: + 61 3 9905 2301 Fax:   email: allyson.croxford@med.monash.edu.au

Summary

I am developing a novel approach to study the disease effect of the autoimmune response on joint cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  I am combining Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy (FTIRM) with conventional biochemical techniques to examine changes in cartilage in arthritis.  Optimisation of the technique of FTIRM is revealing an informative picture of the chemical changes that occur, and should have a broad application not only for assessing cartilage damage and response to treatment in RA but to joint pathology in other conditions such as injuries sustained in sporting activities and those associated with the ageing process.