The normal functioning of many organs is controlled by several types of nerves through releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. A new type of nerve has been identified recently; these are called nitrergic nerves. They release a nitric oxide-like transmitter to control the relaxation of smooth muscle. Although it is known that nitrergic nerves play important roles in the regulation of functions of various organs, the nature of its transmitter has not been elucidated. Our recent study suggest ....The normal functioning of many organs is controlled by several types of nerves through releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. A new type of nerve has been identified recently; these are called nitrergic nerves. They release a nitric oxide-like transmitter to control the relaxation of smooth muscle. Although it is known that nitrergic nerves play important roles in the regulation of functions of various organs, the nature of its transmitter has not been elucidated. Our recent study suggests that the nitrergic transmitter is more close to a redox form of nitric oxide such as nitroxyl anion than to nitric oxide itself. This project will investigate further the mechanism of nitrergic transmission including the nature of the nitrergic transmitter. The proposed research will help to answer important questions regarding the mechanisms of nitrergic transmission and thus may throw additional light to the nature of the nitrergic transmitter. The findings may also be significant for the development of new drugs (such as new NO donors) which interact with nitrergic mechanisms.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Of Action Of Neurochemicals And Modulators In Human Intestine: Changes In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,500.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and idiopathic chronic constipation (ICC) are two serious gastrointestinal disorders, for which no effective medical treatment is known. We will investigate the hypothesis that abnormalities in the nerve chemicals found in the gut contribute to the aetiology of these diseases. Our studies will examine the sites of action (receptors) for these chemicals (neurotensin and acetylcholine) in the small and large intestine. The mechanisms governing motility changes in r ....Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and idiopathic chronic constipation (ICC) are two serious gastrointestinal disorders, for which no effective medical treatment is known. We will investigate the hypothesis that abnormalities in the nerve chemicals found in the gut contribute to the aetiology of these diseases. Our studies will examine the sites of action (receptors) for these chemicals (neurotensin and acetylcholine) in the small and large intestine. The mechanisms governing motility changes in response to these chemicals have been well studied in animal intestine, but there is little detailed information from the human intestine. This study will provide insight into the mechanisms operating in the normal bowel, providing a base for comparing bowel obtained from patients with IBD or ICC. We will also study bowel removed at surgery for acute diverticular disease (DD), representing another type of inflammation. Studies on isolated segments of colon from ICC patients will determine whether the contractility of the muscle is abnormal in general or only with respect to the chemicals under investigation. Other studies will investigate the inflammatory processes occurring in the bowel and whether this differs in IBD. Our work will facilitate understanding of the function of the bowel in health and in gastrointestinal disorders and may lead to new medical treatments for IBD and ICC.Read moreRead less