Neurotransmitters In Synaptic Inputs To Medullary Neurons Subserving The Baroreflex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,500.00
Summary
The baroreflex rapidly adjusts arterial blood pressure to meet changing physiological needs. The reflex alters vascular resistance and changes the rate, volume and force at which blood is expelled from the heart, ensuring that organs are adequately supplied with blood-borne nutrients and oxygen. Changes in baroreflex function occur during exercise, correlate with increased mortality and morbidity from heart failure and myocardial infarction and are responsible for postural hypotension in the eld ....The baroreflex rapidly adjusts arterial blood pressure to meet changing physiological needs. The reflex alters vascular resistance and changes the rate, volume and force at which blood is expelled from the heart, ensuring that organs are adequately supplied with blood-borne nutrients and oxygen. Changes in baroreflex function occur during exercise, correlate with increased mortality and morbidity from heart failure and myocardial infarction and are responsible for postural hypotension in the elderly. Three areas in the brainstem are critical for transmission of the arterial baroreflex. However, it is still not known exactly which chemicals (neurotransmitters) are used to convey baroreflex information to and between neurons in these key sites. In this project, we will use state-of-the-art anatomical techniques to examine nerve pathways that subserve the arterial baroreflex. By changing blood pressure and specifically tagging nerve cells that respond, we can focus on neurons activated by baroreflex stimuli. Concentrating on neurotransmitters known to affect blood pressure control in the medulla, we will then label one or more of these in nerve fibers surrounding the barosensitive neurons. Finally, we will determine by light and electron microscopy the relationships between the labelled nerve fibers and the barosensitive neurons. These relationships will show which neurotransmitters could influence barosensitive neurons directly, which indirectly and which not at all. This project will increase our understanding of the baroreflex by clarifying which neurochemicals convey baroreflex information amongst the key groups of brainstem neurons. These data will form the foundation for new studies on changes in nerve pathways that underlie baroreflex dysfunction in such conditions as postural hypotension. Identifying transmitters for the baroreflex may also point to, or rule out, new drug treatments for disturbances in baroreflex function.Read moreRead less
Spinosyns As Endectocides For Blocking Transmission Of Malaria And Other Mosquito-borne Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$758,299.00
Summary
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and kills 400,000 people annually. To prevent malaria we must stop transmission. We have discovered a natural substance that, if ingested, makes an animal's blood lethal to at least one type of mosquito. It also kills the parasite. We aim to determine if it kills other key mosquito types and how it kills the parasite. We expect this study will lead to a pill that stops transmission of malaria and other tropical diseases.
Plantwide Control of Modern Chemical Processes from a Network Perspective. Complex plants increasingly appear in modern Australian process industries, particularly in mineral processing, petrochemical and renewable energies sectors. These plants represent vast capital costs and manufacture products at a very large scale. Improvement in control and operation of these processes can potentially provide significant economic benefits. The expected outcome of this research is an effective approach to ....Plantwide Control of Modern Chemical Processes from a Network Perspective. Complex plants increasingly appear in modern Australian process industries, particularly in mineral processing, petrochemical and renewable energies sectors. These plants represent vast capital costs and manufacture products at a very large scale. Improvement in control and operation of these processes can potentially provide significant economic benefits. The expected outcome of this research is an effective approach to improve operational safety, efficiency, product quality and manufacturing flexibility, helping to build a more efficient and environmental conscious Australian chemical industry. This project will also enhance Australia's scientific reputation in the frontier research area of advanced process control and management.Read moreRead less
I am a neurophysiologist interested in brain regulation of homeostatic and autonomic functions in health and disease. I am endeavouring to discover the brain pathways for these vital functions, and to translate my findings from animal research to humans.