Women are born with a limited supply of eggs and are unable to make new eggs after birth. Because of this, the number and health of eggs established within the ovary early in life influence the length of time for which a female will be fertile, her age at menopause, and the health of her offspring. This project aims to shed some light on the mechanisms that control egg supply and reproductive longevity in women by investigating the role of the cell death protein Bid within the ovary.
Activation Of GDF9 Regulates Human Folliculogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,690.00
Summary
GDF9 is a key regulator of fertility in female mammals, as it controls the process of folliculogenesis. In this grant, we will demonstrate the importance of GDF9 in human folliculogenesis, determine the mechanisms that activate GDF9 and show why aberrant GDF9 activation leads to ovarian disorders. Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis and provide new avenues to manipulate this process.
Characterising A Newly Identified Mechanism Causing Elevation Of Intracranial Pressure After Acute Neurological Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,905.00
Summary
Our group discovered that increased pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure – ICP) may be more common and important than has been recognised following stroke, and potentially other brain disorders. We also identified a simple potential therapy, short-duration body cooling, which completely prevents the pressure rise. In this project we will characterise the ICP rise, identify its molecular trigger and determine the best method of body cooling tor use in clinical trials in stroke patients.
Understanding The Mechanisms Of Development And Treatment In Hydrocephalus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,914.00
Summary
This project aims to investigate the progressive change in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, axonal damage and tissue mechanical properties during the development and treatment of hydrocephalus in-vivo. Results from this study is important to elucidate the mechanisms of hydrocephalus and to improve treatment and diagnosis of hydrocephalus.
Restrictive Versus Liberal Fluid Therapy In Major Abdominal Surgery: The RELIEF Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,477,820.00
Summary
Major surgery can result in serious complications, some of which lead to permanent disability and early death. All patients undergoing major surgery require intravenous fluids to maintain a healthy circulation, but too much fluid can cause tissue swelling (oedema) and "drown" the vital organs. There are probable benefits of a restrictive IV fluid regimen. This could have major benefits to patients having surgery.
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.
Short Duration Hypothermia To Prevent Subsequent Intracranial Pressure Rise.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,453.00
Summary
Elevated brain pressure after stroke or other forms of brain injury can cause further injury and death. Body cooling to 32-33 C (hypothermia) for 12-24 hours saves lives after some forms of brain injury, but may have major side effects. We found that 2 hours hypothermia has a long-lasting effect preventing pressure elevation. We will determine the best temperature and duration of hypothermia in a stroke model and use imaging to confirm findings in patients, with a view to later human trials.
Regulation Of Epithelial Sodium Channels By Caveolin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,391.00
Summary
Abnormal sodium absorption in the kidney, gut and lung is implicated in hypertension, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary oedema. Epithelial Na+ channels are a key component of the mechanism by which these organs absorb sodium. The project will investigate the mechanisms by which the activity of these channels is controlled and is intended to discover new approaches to treating abnormal sodium absorption.
Is Lactic Acid Concentration In Amniotic Fluid A New Predictor Of Labour Dystocia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,538.00
Summary
This study will establish whether higher concentrations of lactate in the amniotic fluid of labouring women can be used as a surrogate marker to improve diagnoses of presence or absence of dystocia. Labour dystocia is a serious problem experienced during childbirth, and is one of the main indications for emergency caesarean section or forceps or vacuum delivery. Although dystocia is a common clinical problem, the current lack of a precise definition leads to considerable variation in practice.
Effects Of Increased Endolymph Volume On Cochlear And Vestibular Function And Morphology Of Inner Ear Tissues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$313,391.00
Summary
Our recent research suggests that the vertigo attacks associated with enlarged fluid volumes in the inner ear, in diseases such as Ménière's Disease, maybe triggered when the fluid pressure forces open tissue valves located in the fluid-ducts connecting the hearing and balance organs. This project aims to identify the functional role of these valves, and to develop an animal model of abrupt changes in vestibular activity due to hydrops, to allow future treatments to be developed.