Do PACAP-containing Neurons In The Hypothalamus Regulate Reproductive Hormone Secretion?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$182,559.00
Summary
This project investigates the role of a brain chemical called PACAP which is found in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which regulates the reproductive system. The hypothalamus does this by controlling the secretion of several pituitary gland hormones, LH and prolactin, which in turn stimulate normal function of the ovaries or testes. Abnormal secretion of these hormones is seen in conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, stress, critical illness, aging and many others with the r ....This project investigates the role of a brain chemical called PACAP which is found in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which regulates the reproductive system. The hypothalamus does this by controlling the secretion of several pituitary gland hormones, LH and prolactin, which in turn stimulate normal function of the ovaries or testes. Abnormal secretion of these hormones is seen in conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, stress, critical illness, aging and many others with the result that patients have low levels of steroids in their blood and inactive gonads, changes which in themselves lead to other health problems. Because these hormones are essential for normal reproduction, it is possible that PACAP may play an important role in regulating this process, both under normal conditions and in disease. It is hoped that this research will lead to a more detailed understanding of how the endocrine system is controlled in humans and to new methods for the manipulation of the reproductive axis, under normal and disease conditions.Read moreRead less
PACAP: The Mechanism Underlying Sleep Apnoea-induced Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,117.00
Summary
10% of Australians suffer from sleep apnoea; a cause of high blood pressure. Untreated, high blood pressure causes heart failure, kidney failure and stroke. A major cause of high blood pressure is an increased amount of nerve activity that controls the heart and blood vessels. In this proposal we will investigate how a brain chemical, called PACAP, affects nerve activity and blood pressure in a model of sleep apnoea. This information may lead to new and better treatments for high blood pressure.
Novel Approaches To The Targeting Of GPCRs Towards Improved Treatment Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
The focus of these studies are two important types of brain proteins that have been implicated in various symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The aim is to exploit two emerging paradigms of drug action at these brain proteins that will allow us to target them in a more selective manner. In particular, these studies will provide a starting point for safer, more effective treatments for schizophrenia.
A Breakdown Of Cortical Homeostasis In Depression: A Focus On The Anterior Cingulate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,629.00
Summary
Major depressive disorders affect 20% of the Australian population. Some symptoms of major depressive disorders arise because of a dysfunction of the human brain, particularly the cortex. Our studies show there are biochemical changes in the anterior cingulate cortex in people with mood disorders. We will now extend our studies to show there is a breakdown in the balance between neurotransmitter and neuroinflammation pathways in the anterior cingulate cortex in major depressive disorders.
Rational Co-targeting Of G Protein-coupled Receptors As A Novel Approach Towards Treating Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,399.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a common mental disorder with multiple symptoms. Current therapeutics only treat some of these symptoms. This project will focus on two important brain proteins implicated in schizophrenia. With the hypothesis that the rational targeting of these two proteins will lead to the design of more effective medicines for treatment of schizophrenia we will develop novel methods to selectively and simultaneously and target these two proteins.