Central Excitatory Pathways Of The Autonomic Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,164.00
Summary
The central pathways of autonomic regulation are well known, but the functions of specific pathways in physiological settings remains an elusive goal. We will evaluate the role of two physiologically important autonomic pathways for sleep apnea and the circadian control of the body by genetically deleting the transmitter, glutamate, in transgenic mice. A greater understanding of these pathways is critical in unraveling autonomic nervous system function in health and disease.
A novel sensory neural circuit has been identified innervating the airways and lungs. The anatomical organisation of this circuit has been described to some extent in previous studies, however there is a significant gap in knowledge with respect to its functional importance. This project will develop methods to address this knowledge gap and in doing so the project will firstly describe how this circuit controls breathing under normal conditions and secondly how this becomes dysregulated during
Central Mechanisms Underlying Obesity Related Hypertension.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
The prevalence of obesity and related disease are rising rapidly worldwide. Adult risk factors, genetic predisposition and socioeconomic factors all contribute to obesity and obesity related hypertension however there is compelling evidence that the early life environment also contributes to disease progression. In this regard, an understanding of how increased sympathetic activity occurs in programmed hypertension is required in order to develop effective therapeutic strategies.
The Physiological And Pathological Role Of The Bile Acid Receptor TGR5 And Its Potential Targeting For The Treatment Of Intestinal Motility Disorders And Visceral Pain.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Defects in the secretion of bile into the intestine cause digestive diseases, and abnormal circulating levels of bile acids induce profound itch and abnormal pain sensation. This project examines whether a cell-surface receptor (TGR5) produced by intestinal and sensory neurons mediates actions of bile acids on intestinal functions and pain. The project aims to define mechanisms of digestive and sensory disorders and identify new therapies for constipation, diarrhoea, and pain.
Many infants and children suffer from bowel motility disorders, for example, chronic constipation affects up to 1 in 10 children. However, the cause of many of these paediatric motility disorders remains unknown. In this project, we will examine the development of wiring of the nervous system that controls bowel motility. This is the first study to investigate the development of cell-cell communication during early stages of nervous system development.
Role Of The Medial Amygdala In Developing Neurogenic Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
We aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms and pathways that regulate the activity of neurons located in the medial amgydala during stress that contribute long term to the development of hypertension. This study is highly relevant to people who inappropriately respond to typical daily stressors and we aim to provide direction for developing specific therapies to interrupt the adverse cardiovascular consequences of chronic stress.
Investigations Of Mechanisms Underlying Autonomic Cardiovascular Regulation In Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
People with epilepsy often show disturbed cardiovascular function which may increase mortality risk. This may reflect seizure related disturbances in the autonomic circuitry regulation of the cardiovascular system. We apply advanced brain imaging analysis of altered neural structure, circuit connectivity and function within medial temporal lobe and mid brain, combined with clinical assessment of autonomic function to provide important new insights into cardiac disturbances in epilepsy.