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Pharyngeal Wall Folding: Role In Upper Airway Collapsibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,274.00
Summary
In obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) the throat closes during sleep. In order for the throat to close the surface of the throat has to fold. Mathematical models predict that the more folds present, the more stable a structure will be. This research will examine how folding of the airway surface of the throat is achieved in subjects with and without OSA. It will also develop ways of changing the folding patterns using bench, animal and human studies. This will result in new treatments for OSA.
Most deaths from non-illicit drugs are caused by prescribed opioids and are nearly always due to respiratory arrest during sleep. However, no study has assessed the effect of opioids on vital respiratory drives during sleep. In addition, sleep apnea has been identified as a major risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality, while no study investigated how to identify those sleep apnea patients most at risk of opioids. Our proposed studies aim to address these gaps in knowledge.
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.
Neural Control Of Human Respiratory Muscles In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,132.00
Summary
This research examines how human inspiratory muscles that ‘pump’ air into the lungs are controlled in health and disease. We will study the interaction between automatic and voluntary control of breathing, about which very little is known. The control of breathing in patients who breathe against an inspiratory load (eg. asthma) and mechanically ventilated patients will be a focus of this research. Outcomes include better understanding of the control of breathing and improved patient care.
Combined Therapy To Ameliorate Ventilatory Instability In Patients With Heart Failure And Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,648.00
Summary
Sleep apnea is highly prevalent, particularly in patients with heart failure, and treatment remains limited to applying pressure via a face mask which can be intolerable. Although instability in breathing control is a major cause of apnea in many patients, treatments targeting instability with sufficient efficacy are unavailable. This project will combine two treatments, acetazolamide and oxygen, to powerfully reduce instability and provide relief from sleep apnea in a subgroup of patients.