Which Neurons Maintain Sympathetic Vasomotor Tone?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,918.00
Summary
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a major burden of disease worldwide. High levels of nerve activity that cause the blood vessels to constrict elevating blood pressure are characteristic of hypertension. We do not know which brain cells set and maintain this nerve activity. We will identify these cells, determine how they function and what regulates them. Ultimately we could control these cells treating the cause of hypertension or when clinical need arises.
Improving Clinical Translation In Stroke: Targeting Cerebral Oedema In A Large Animal Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,530.00
Summary
A common and life-threatening complication of stroke is brain swelling which is the leading cause of death within one week of stroke and a predictor of poor outcome. Current treatments for brain swelling are inadequate. We have developed a drug that blocks the action of the neuropeptide substance P, which is involved in the development of swelling. We will assess the efficacy of this treatment to reduce brain swelling and improve long-term outcome in a relevant pre-clinical model of stroke.
This Australian-led, investigator initiated and conducted study, is the first and only large scale clinical trial designed to assess the balance of potential benefits and risks of early rapid blood pressure lowering in intracerebral haemorrhage stroke, a disease in which there is still no convincing evidence of benefit from any medical treatment, where the role of surgery remains controversial, and from which the chances of surviving has failed to improve in recent decades.
CSF Physiology: Flow In The Spinal Cord And Subarachnoid Space
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,775.00
Summary
Fluid flow in the brain and spinal cord is important in health and disease. Increased fluid leads to hydrocephalus and spinal cord cysts. Impaired flow through the brain and cord contributes to Alzheimer's disease and other disorders. How fluid flows through the brain and spinal cord is poorly understood. We will study important aspects of flow in the spinal cord and how flow is affected by obstructions in the fluid pathways.
Shaken Baby Syndrome: Characterization Of A Model And Evaluation Of Novel Pharmacological Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,460.00
Summary
Shaken baby syndrome is a form of traumatic brain injury in infants less than 2 years of age. It results in death in 10-40 % of cases, and neurological problems in survivors. No treatment exists largely because there is no well characterized model of the syndrome that replicates the human situation. This study will fully characterize our newly developed model of shaken baby syndrome and examine the effectiveness of a novel interventional strategy targeting brain swelling.
Establishing A Model Of Occlusive Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke In The Sheep
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$74,365.00
Summary
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the highest cause of disability in adult Australians, however our lack of an animal model that correctly replicates the human condition has severely hindered our understanding and treatment of the disease. This research project aims to develop a model of stroke in the sheep using a surgical approach that future researchers may use and adapt to further explore the physiology of the disease and trial therapeutic techniques to treat stroke.
Pericyte Dysfunction Limiting Energy Supply In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$717,708.00
Summary
One possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could be narrowing of small blood vessels (capillaries) within the brain, limiting blood flow and energy supply. Pericytes, a cell only on capillaries, maintain blood flow throughout the brain. I believe that pericytes may die in AD leading to an energy deficit and memory problems. I will test using human brains and animal models whether pericyte loss causes AD and how this is happening. Pericytes could provide a new therapy option for AD.
Targeted Delivery Of CD39 To Ischaemic Brain Improves Outcomes In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,780.00
Summary
Stroke is most likely caused by a clot in one of the large blood vessels supplying the brain. The approach is to save the 'at-risk' area of brain with drugs that break-down clots and by manual removal of clots. These treatments are limited by timely access within 4.5 hours to larger hospitals. We are trialing a new drug that protects the brain better on its own and may add to the benefit of current treatments. Moreover, it can be given in any rural setting.
Spinal cord cysts can develop after spinal injury or in association with tumours or congenital abnormalities of the spine. These cysts often cause pain and paralysis. Treatment is often ineffective, partly because the source of the cyst fluid is unknown. We are investigating the origin of this fluid using animal models of spinal cord cysts, computer simulations, and MRI studies of patients with spinal cord cysts. Understanding the origin of cyst fluid will help us to develop improved treatment.