Adrenal Cushings:natural History And Genetic Analysis Of Inherited Forms, And Prevalence In High Risk Groups.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,381.00
Summary
This study aims to diagnose early Cushing's in certain high risk groups - before debilitating complications have developed which increase mortality. Early treatment normalises life expectancy and improves quality of life. We aim to discover the genetic cause of inherited Cushing's. This will allow a genetic test to be developed - so gene carriers can be carefully followed for onset of symptoms of Cushing's and those who are not carriers can be reassured.
How Commonly Used Psychoactive Drugs Affect The Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal Axis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,448.00
Summary
The body makes a number of responses when it is subjected to stress, and these include the secretion of hormones from the adrenal gland, including cortisol. It is not surprising that cortisol has effects upon the way the brain operates, nor is it surprising that diseases that are associated with stress (e.g. depression, alcoholism and other psychiatric complaints) create abnormal cortisol secretion. The drugs that are known to be successful in treating conditions such as depression and anxiety h ....The body makes a number of responses when it is subjected to stress, and these include the secretion of hormones from the adrenal gland, including cortisol. It is not surprising that cortisol has effects upon the way the brain operates, nor is it surprising that diseases that are associated with stress (e.g. depression, alcoholism and other psychiatric complaints) create abnormal cortisol secretion. The drugs that are known to be successful in treating conditions such as depression and anxiety have been shown to affect the secretion of cortisol, but, somewhat paradoxically, we do not precisely know how they operate. The aim of this research is to examine how drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of a number of psychiatric conditions (e.g. Prozac, Tofranil, Xanax, morphine and naltrexone) affect the secretion of hormones from the brain that ulitmately regulate the secretion of cortisol. We propose that the effects of these drugs is related to how they operate, and for how long they have been given. The findings generated by this research may help us determine new ways of diagnosing and treating a range of conditions.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of The Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Aldosterone-induced Epithelial Electrolyte Transport
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,386.00
Summary
The steroid hormone aldosterone regulates blood pressure by controlling sodium retention. The importance of this role is underlined by the fact that all known mongenetic hypertensive conditions involve aldosterone or sodium retention. Aldosterone mediates this effect by activating an intracellular receptor protein that in turn switches on specific genes. This study seeks to identify the genes that are switched on (or off) by aldosterone and to characterise the region of the gene that interacts w ....The steroid hormone aldosterone regulates blood pressure by controlling sodium retention. The importance of this role is underlined by the fact that all known mongenetic hypertensive conditions involve aldosterone or sodium retention. Aldosterone mediates this effect by activating an intracellular receptor protein that in turn switches on specific genes. This study seeks to identify the genes that are switched on (or off) by aldosterone and to characterise the region of the gene that interacts with the receptor. Both cell and gene specific factors are thought to be important in defining the nature of this interaction; these factors will also be sought. This information will enhance our understanding of the basic biology of sodium transport in the colon and the kidney which in turn will clarify the role of aldosterone in high blood pressure, cardiac disease and perhaps even stress.Read moreRead less