James R. Augustine, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
University Ombudsman

Postdoctoral Training:
University of Michigan & Université de Montréal
PhD: Univ. Alabama at Birmingham
MS: Saint Louis University Graduate School

Research Focus:

Dr. Augustine has recently completed a major textbook on the human brain entitled "Human Neuroanatomy" published by Academic Press (2007). He now plans to turn his attention to the subject of estrogen, aging and the brain. Both disease-related (pathological) and age-related (senescent) processes influence the human brain. Recent studies suggest that the female hormone estrogen may be a crucial mediator in both these processes and their effect on the brain. For example, the loss of estrogen at menopause may play a role in the cognitive decline and neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease. Results of clinical studies using estrogen replacement therapy suggest that estrogen might be a new weapon against normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Augustine's research interest involves the study of the estrogen-sensitive areas of the primate brain, their location, associated neurotransmitters, how they relate to areas involved in cognition, what age-related changes may occur in these areas, and what might be the effect of estrogen replacement therapy on neurons in these areas.

Recent publications

• Augustine JR (2007) Human Neuroanatomy, Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier.
• Steinberg BA, Augustine JR (1997): Behavioral, anatomical, and physiological aspects of recovery of motor function following stroke. Brain Research Reviews 25:125-132.
• Augustine JR (1996): Circuitry and functional aspects of the insular lobe in primates including humans. Brain Research Reviews 22:229-244.
• McDonald AJ, Mascagni F, Augustine JR (1995): Neuropeptide Y and somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in the monkey amygdala. Neuroscience 66:959-982.
• Odor DL, Augustine JR (1995) Morphological study of changes in the baboon oviductal epithelium during the menstrual cycle. Microscopy Research and Technique 32:13-28.