Mechanisms Regulating Nutrient Induced Motor Patterns In The Isolated Small Intestine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,750.00
Summary
The movements of the small intestine are essential for the digestion and absorption of a meal and consist of two basic patterns during a 3-4 hour period after a meal. These are mixing (or segmentation) and propulsion (or peristalsis). Although it is the subject of ongoing study, much is known about the basic mechanisms that control propulsion, largely because this behaviour is readily seen in isolated segments of gut so it is possible to undertake highly controlled experiments to identify the va ....The movements of the small intestine are essential for the digestion and absorption of a meal and consist of two basic patterns during a 3-4 hour period after a meal. These are mixing (or segmentation) and propulsion (or peristalsis). Although it is the subject of ongoing study, much is known about the basic mechanisms that control propulsion, largely because this behaviour is readily seen in isolated segments of gut so it is possible to undertake highly controlled experiments to identify the various cellular components of the system. By contrast, mixing has only been reliably seen in intact animals making studies of the detailed mechanisms responsible for this behaviour much more difficult. What is known is that the composition of a meal controls the relative amount of mixing and propulsion seen at any location along the small intestine. We have recently identified a pattern of contractions in isolated small intestine (duodenum and-or jejunum) that is induced by the presence of a nutrient in the intestine and appears very similar to the mixing behaviour seen in the intact animal. We have shown that this pattern depends on the activity of nerve cells including those that excite the gut muscle and that it depends on the activity of a hormone released from the lining of the gut wall by fats and other nutrients. The aims of this proposal are to identify how nutrients interact to produce this pattern of contractions, the relative roles of specific types of nerve cells and the sites at which the local hormones released by nutrients act. This is important because increasing the proportion of mixing to propulsion enhances the absorption of nutrient from a meal, so if the mechanisms that initiate mixing behaviour can be regulated in a predictable way by specific nutrient, absorption can be enhanced in various malabsorption syndromes.Read moreRead less
From Understanding The Mechanisms To Implementing Conservative Management Of Musculoskeletal Conditions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,339,215.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal pain is the leading cause of disability internationally and outcomes are worsening. This work will take a unique approach to study back pain from the mechanisms that occur at the cellular level to the interaction between a person’s physiology and psychology to understand why pain fluctuates, to understand how treatments can be more appropriately tailored for individuals, and to test how people with back pain can be supported to change behaviours and achieve recovery.
Harnessing Neural Plasticity To Improve Functional Outcomes Following Burn Injury.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,984.00
Summary
Burn is painful and leads to long-term functional impairment and increased chronic disease. Pain and peripheral injury induce changes in the brain that can be functionally beneficial or maladaptive, yet we know little about brain changes following burn injury. This project will identify the mechanisms and functional impact of neural plasticity after burn injury, and test the efficacy of a neural intervention to reduce pain and improve functional recovery following burn injury.
Neural Mechanisms Associated With Recovery Of Function Following Motor Cortical Lesions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,415.00
Summary
Damage to movement control areas in the brain early in life (e.g. cerebral palsy) or in adulthood (e.g. stroke, tumours) results in motor weakness and loss of skill; over a period of many months there is gradual recovery of function. The neural mechanisms that are associated with functional reorganization of the brain and motor recovery are not well understood. This project plans to use animal experiments to identify the location of regions in the brain that undergo neural reorganization and com ....Damage to movement control areas in the brain early in life (e.g. cerebral palsy) or in adulthood (e.g. stroke, tumours) results in motor weakness and loss of skill; over a period of many months there is gradual recovery of function. The neural mechanisms that are associated with functional reorganization of the brain and motor recovery are not well understood. This project plans to use animal experiments to identify the location of regions in the brain that undergo neural reorganization and compensate for lost function. Following brain lesions detailed mapping of the motor areas of the brain and a careful study of movement disabilities will be performed. The study will attempt to identify changes in motor maps that indicate neural reorganization and relate these changes to motor recovery. The results of this study will be used in future projects to test training programs, drugs and neural prosthesis on neural reorganization and recovery of function. Eventually the information may be used to direct pharmacological and physiotherapeutic interventions, and motor rehabilitation programs for optimal recovery of function.Read moreRead less
Volitional And Non-volitional Control Of Human Balance: Normal Physiology And Changes With Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,066.00
Summary
How does the brain control balance when we stand? Our research shows that two very distinct processes operate to produce distinct postural, perceptual and cardiovascular outcomes. These experiments investigate the neurophysiology that coordinates these systems and what happens with age. The results will fundamentally change views on balance control. Balance problems are common in neurological disorders and old age. Knowing how balance works will improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Influence Of Cortical Stroke And Experimental Brain Stimulation On Excitability Of Human Corticobulbar Motor Projections And Swallowing Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,183.00
Summary
Swallowing disorders often result from damage to the brain. They have profound consequences on patient health and quality of life and result in significant medical and socioeconomic costs. This project firstly investigates how motor networks in the brain control the muscles involved in swallowing and how this control is affected by stroke. Secondly, it evaluates the potential of novel interventions to improve impaired swallowing function following stroke by reorganising motor networks.