Role Of Brain Serotonin In Animal Models Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,550.00
Summary
There is increasing evidence that deficiencies in the release of a brain chemical called serotonin play an important role in the development of schizophrenia. Post-mortem studies have shown changes in the levels of 'receptors' (keyholes for messenger chemicals in the brain) for serotonin in schizophrenia. In addition, in the treatment of schizophrenia, the more recently introduced 'atypical' antipsychotic drugs are superior to the more traditional 'typical' antipsychotics in terms of efficacy an ....There is increasing evidence that deficiencies in the release of a brain chemical called serotonin play an important role in the development of schizophrenia. Post-mortem studies have shown changes in the levels of 'receptors' (keyholes for messenger chemicals in the brain) for serotonin in schizophrenia. In addition, in the treatment of schizophrenia, the more recently introduced 'atypical' antipsychotic drugs are superior to the more traditional 'typical' antipsychotics in terms of efficacy and side-effect profile. Typical antipsychotic drugs act mainly through blockade of receptors for a brain chemical called dopamine. Atypical drugs appear to have additional actions, in particular blocking the effect of serotonin in the brain. This evidence is mostly circumstancial, relying to a large extent on biochemical analysis of brain regions and 'receptors' on which antipsychotics MAY act. It is currently unclear exactly how and where in the brain changes in serotonin activity influence behavioural processes causing schizophrenia. It is also unclear how and where typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs interact with the role of serotonin in schizophrenia. In this project we intend to inactivate specific parts of the serotonin system of otherwise intact, freely moving rats. Using behavioural observation methods relevant for schizophrenia, we will analyze if and how these interventions influence the behaviour of these rats. The results can have important implications for our fundamental understanding of the involvement of serotonin in the brain in schizophrenia.Read moreRead less
Staying Connected: Personalising Stroke Recovery And Rehabilitation Through New Technologies For People With Stroke Living At Home.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,730,999.00
Summary
One in 4 people experience a stroke. On return home the person with stroke is challenged to sense, move, think, and engage in valued activities with an altered brain and body. Yet the current approach to ongoing recovery is limited. We propose to: monitor for markers of recovery using personalised sensors and artificial intelligence; deliver bursts of therapy at point of need, at home; and provide feedback through new technologies and a central hub...to stay connected, and to recover at home.
We stand without falling by using silent senses from muscles and the balance organs of the inner ear to unconsciously detect and control our movements. Since the leg muscles provide both the force and the sense, and critically rely on good circulation, they are vitally important. I propose to study how these sensory and muscle functions are used to control balance, posture and stepping reflexes, making it easier to identify older people who will fall and design new preventative strategies.
Human Movement Control: Basic And Applied Neurophysiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,684.00
Summary
My research targets mechanisms underlying human movement, ways in which they can be deranged, and ways in which interventions can diminish impairments. It focuses on gaps in understanding and in clinical practice. Work in our broad ‘Motor Impairment’ NHMRC Program underpin my research. It is supplemented by new work on respiratory neurophysiology which has already delivered basic and clinical insight into neural control of the main breathing muscles and more recently upper airway muscles.
INVESTIGATING PROPRIOCEPTION AND SENSORIMOTOR CONTROL IN HUMANS DEVOID OF FUNCTIONAL MUSCLE SPINDLES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,983.00
Summary
Specific genetic mutations can lead to widespread changes in the body. Here we are looking at congenital Hereditary and Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy type III (HSAN III). Affected individuals have difficulty walking, which progressively worsens over time. This series of experiments aims to increase our understanding of the underlying neurophysiological disturbances in HSAN III.
Cortical Networks That Integrate Auditory Input And Speech Motor Output In Human Stutterers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Stuttering is a chronic communication disorder that arises from problems in the brain processes that control speech. This research aims to use magnetoencephalography, a new and extremely fast method of brain imaging, to study the parts of the human brain that underlie speech production. By studying the brains of both child and adult stutterers the causes of stuttering will become more apparent. Ultimately, this research will lead to more effective treatments for stuttering.