Parkinson's Disease is caused by injury to a group of brain cells called the Basal Ganglia. Our current ideas about how this part of the brain works is dominated by a well know theory. This theory requires that the output pathway of the basal ganglia to have a negative or inhibitory influence on its target. However there are numerous reasons why this would be unlikely, including some recent evidence from experiments in our laboratory. The purpose of this study is to undertake an extensive re exa ....Parkinson's Disease is caused by injury to a group of brain cells called the Basal Ganglia. Our current ideas about how this part of the brain works is dominated by a well know theory. This theory requires that the output pathway of the basal ganglia to have a negative or inhibitory influence on its target. However there are numerous reasons why this would be unlikely, including some recent evidence from experiments in our laboratory. The purpose of this study is to undertake an extensive re examination of the output paths of the Basal Ganglia. If our suspicions are correct, it will lead to a review of the whole way in which we think the Basal Ganglia works.Read moreRead less
This study combines sophisticated molecular techniques with state-of-the-art biochemical and physiological analyses to determine how gut hormones regulate satiety. By utilising unique conditional and germline KO mice , this research will make highly original and internationally competitive contributions to the understanding of the regulation of satiety and energy expenditure. Knowledge as to the causes of lack of satiety will be of great benefit in the search for novel treatments for obesity.
MDMA (Ecstasy) has recently become one of the most popular recreational drugs in the world. A major concern with MDMA use is the mounting evidence from animal studies that even moderate doses may cause irreversible damage to nerve cells that utilize serotonin (5-HT) for neurotransmission. What is not known is how this damage might be expressed in terms of altered emotion, cognition and behaviour. Existing evidence suggests an important role for 5-HT in anxiety, depression and impulsiveness, but ....MDMA (Ecstasy) has recently become one of the most popular recreational drugs in the world. A major concern with MDMA use is the mounting evidence from animal studies that even moderate doses may cause irreversible damage to nerve cells that utilize serotonin (5-HT) for neurotransmission. What is not known is how this damage might be expressed in terms of altered emotion, cognition and behaviour. Existing evidence suggests an important role for 5-HT in anxiety, depression and impulsiveness, but whether MDMA use will increase the likelihood of such problems is uncertain. A major aim of this project is to examine the behavioural, cognitive and emotional changes in rats following exposure to MDMA. Using a variety of sophisticated tasks, we will determine the acute and the long term effects of MDMA in relation to memory, attention, impulsivity, and anxiety. A further concern is whether MDMA use may increase vulnerability to the addictive effects of other drugs of abuse . We aim to examine whether rats pre-exposed to MDMA are subsequently sensitised to the rewarding effects of cocaine and opioids. MDMA users may also suffer a temporary depression a few days after taking the drug. We will assess the possible anhedonic or depressing effects of MDMA. Finally, there is still a lot to understand about the way MDMA affects the brain. Our recent work shows that many diverse brain regions are affected by this drug. We want to extend this work to see how this pattern of brain activation is altered by fluid deprivation and high ambient temperatures - conditions experienced at rave parties. The present project will help further our understanding of MDMA and its neurotoxic effects and to highlight any potential long-term dangers to health that may exist for people who are currently using or are planning to use this drug.Read moreRead less
Differentiation Of Respiratory Behaviour In The Mammalian Fetus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,839.00
Summary
Mammalian fetuses are highly active from early in gestation, manifesting patterns of activity that are gradually transformed throughout fetal life, ultimately producing a repertoire of behaviours essential for postnatal survival. These behaviours are of fundamental importance to animals, and none more so than breathing which must perform effectively from the moment of birth. We plan to examine neural control mechanisms that transform a primitive pattern of breathing in the early gestation fetus ....Mammalian fetuses are highly active from early in gestation, manifesting patterns of activity that are gradually transformed throughout fetal life, ultimately producing a repertoire of behaviours essential for postnatal survival. These behaviours are of fundamental importance to animals, and none more so than breathing which must perform effectively from the moment of birth. We plan to examine neural control mechanisms that transform a primitive pattern of breathing in the early gestation fetus into the functional form that effectively ventilates the lungs after birth. In addition to examining the prenatal development of breathing, our program will focus on the developmental fate of a transient behaviour restricted to early development. This early behaviour plays a fundamental role in the development of the motor system before being extinguished under the influence of supraspinal inputs. This program will therefore provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms by which the brain establishes control of the motor circuits of the spinal cord during development. Further, the program is designed to provide a basis for understanding the respiratory problems so common in the preterm human infant.Read moreRead less