A novel sensory neural circuit has been identified innervating the airways and lungs. The anatomical organisation of this circuit has been described to some extent in previous studies, however there is a significant gap in knowledge with respect to its functional importance. This project will develop methods to address this knowledge gap and in doing so the project will firstly describe how this circuit controls breathing under normal conditions and secondly how this becomes dysregulated during
Determining The Mechanism Of Obesity Induced Elevated Blood Pressure And Glucose Dysregulation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
My research focuses on determine the link and mechanisms behind the development of metabolic diseases in obesity and specifically determining the reason for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this area I have been able to generate strong physiological techniques which have enabled answering these questions possible, and I endeavor to continue to create and establish new techniques to continue to answer physiological questions.
Investigations Of Mechanisms Underlying Autonomic Cardiovascular Regulation In Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
People with epilepsy often show disturbed cardiovascular function which may increase mortality risk. This may reflect seizure related disturbances in the autonomic circuitry regulation of the cardiovascular system. We apply advanced brain imaging analysis of altered neural structure, circuit connectivity and function within medial temporal lobe and mid brain, combined with clinical assessment of autonomic function to provide important new insights into cardiac disturbances in epilepsy.
Mechanisms Responsible For Neurogenic Hypertension: A Novel Interaction Between GABAergic Modulation Of Amygdalo-hypothalamic Pathways And MicroRNA Regulation Of Renin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,220.00
Summary
A genetic model of hypertension will be used to understand the interrelated role of the brain, nervous system and kidney. The proposed studies will test the hypothesis that disruption of inhibitory neurochemicals in specific regions of the brain, leads to greater nervous system activation of the kidney, which in turn decreases an inhibitory molecule, ultimately resulting in greater activation of a hormonal system responsible for raising blood pressure.
Does Renal Afferent Nerve Activation Contribute To Cardiac Sympathoexcitation And Decreased Renal Function In Heart Failure?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Removal of the nerves sending information between the kidneys and the brain reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients. There is intense interest in the use of this procedure in heart failure patients, as it may reduce the harmful high level of nerve activity from the brain to the heart and kidneys. Using an experimental model of heart failure, I will determine whether this approach is beneficial in heart failure and its mechanisms of action.