I am a neurophysiologist interested in brain regulation of homeostatic and autonomic functions in health and disease. I am endeavouring to discover the brain pathways for these vital functions, and to translate my findings from animal research to humans.
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
Mechanisms And Consequences Of Renal Denervation In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,289,105.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects ~10-12% of the adult population and is associated with increased mortality. Activation of sympathetic nerves plays an important role in this scenario. We have pioneered a novel catheter-based approach using radiofrequency-energy to disrupt these nerves and we now aim to assess the mechanisms and consequences of applying this novel technology in patients with chronic kidney disease.
How The Lateral Habenula Integrates Behavioral And Autonomic Functions: The VTA Dopamine Connection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,904.00
Summary
When adverse events occur, the lateral habenula, an old brain nucleus, helps calculate the wisest corrective action by contributing to the “brake” that controls the brain’s dopamine reward system. Our research will show how the lateral habenula links corrective changes in behavior with coordinated changes in temperature. Understanding this link will greatly contribute to understanding the brain mechanisms that regulate our physiology during stressful situations and as part of mental illness.
How Does The Central Respiratory Generator Amplify Sympathetic Activity In Hypertension?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,113.00
Summary
High blood pressure causes many life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and stroke. The cause of most high blood pressure is not known. Using an animal model of high blood pressure we have shown that an interaction, in the brain, between the nerve pathways that generate respiratory activity and regulate blood pressure is altered. This occurs early in life and our evidence strongly suggests this may be a cause of high blood pressure.
Role Of The Area Postrema In Determining The Increased Cardiac Sympathetic Nerve Activity In Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,912.00
Summary
In heart failure there is a large increase in sympathetic nerve activity to the heart that has detrimental effects on the heart and can induce sudden death. The areas in the brain causing the increased nerve activity are unknown. We will investigate the role of the area postrema, which is a window to the brain for hormones in the blood. We have evidence that this brain site maintains the high level of nerve activity in heart failure, possibly stimulated by hormones circulating in the blood.