Regeneration Of Pelvic Autonomic Axons After Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,267.00
Summary
This project is focused on the problem of erectile dysfunction, especially the common situation where this is caused by injury to the penile nerves. These nerves are part of the parasympathetic nervous system . Nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction is a common problem for prostatectomy patients, with recovery of normal erections occurring slowly, partially or not at all. There is currently no therapy to improve regeneration of these nerves, and this is partly because very little is known abo ....This project is focused on the problem of erectile dysfunction, especially the common situation where this is caused by injury to the penile nerves. These nerves are part of the parasympathetic nervous system . Nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction is a common problem for prostatectomy patients, with recovery of normal erections occurring slowly, partially or not at all. There is currently no therapy to improve regeneration of these nerves, and this is partly because very little is known about effects of injury on any parasympathetic neurons, and especially for those that are essential for erection. The first aim of this study is to define the key structural and functional changes occurring in penile parasympathetic neurons during regeneration after injury. This fundamental neurobiological knowledge is essential to develop and optimise an future growth treatments. The second aim of the study is to define the effects of a protein, neurturin, on axonal regeneration of penile pro-erectile neurons. Our evidence so far strongly suggests that it is necessary for the early stages of injury responses. Our studies will be performed in mice, where we also have colonies of knockout animals to study the effect of removing neurturin from the regeneration process. Our experiments will include neuroanatomical studies of injured and growing nerves, pharmacology studies on penile smooth muscle (corpus cavernosum) innervation and responsiveness, and tissue culture studies. We will investigate not only the changes that occur following injury to penile nerves, but also the way in which undamaged nerves may assist in returning erectile function.Read moreRead less
Neural Circuits Producing Pelvic Vasodilation In Females
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,770.00
Summary
The reproductive organs and genitalia in males and females experience a large increase in blood flow during sexual and reproductive activity. This increased blood flow (vasodilation) is a key component of penile and clitoral erection, and enhances secretion from the lining of the internal reproductive organs. Vasodilation during sexual activity is produced by a special sets of nerves receiving signals from the genitalia and the brain. In fact, Viagra works by enhancing and prolonging the actions ....The reproductive organs and genitalia in males and females experience a large increase in blood flow during sexual and reproductive activity. This increased blood flow (vasodilation) is a key component of penile and clitoral erection, and enhances secretion from the lining of the internal reproductive organs. Vasodilation during sexual activity is produced by a special sets of nerves receiving signals from the genitalia and the brain. In fact, Viagra works by enhancing and prolonging the actions of these nerves. An important part of this neural pathway is a group of nerve cells in the spinal cord that connects the central nervous system with peripheral nerves in the reproductive organs - these are called preganglionic neurons. Recently we discovered that a major pathway from the spinal cord to the pelvic blood vessels in females leaves the spinal cord at a different level (lumbar) from that thought previously (sacral level). Currently there is no information on how these lumbar preganglionic nerves in females are connected to other nerve pathways that are active during sexual activity, and how they integrate signals from both the internal organs and the brain. We will use an array of modern cellular techniques together with direct observation of dilation in isolated uterine arteries to discover how these nerve cells are wired up in circuits in the spinal cord. This information is vital for us to understand the factors producing increased blood flow in normal sexual activity, and how these might be altered in inflammation or in conditions where there could be selective damage to one nerve pathway and not the other, such as after pelvic surgery, spinal cord damage at different levels, or stimulation of the spinal cord for treatment of chronic pain. Our study also will help understand referred pain and sensations of discomfort in abdominal and pelvic organs.Read moreRead less
Effects Of Ischemia/ Reperfusion Injury On Enteric Neurons And Neuroprotective Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,277.00
Summary
The intestine can suffer restricted blood flow, creating a region of damaged or dead bowel. This leads to severe medical emergencies, complications and even death. Loss of blood flow and damage can be a serious complication for intestinal transplant surgery, which compromises patient survival and recovery. The project brings together transplant surgeons and basic scientists to solve problems caused by intestinal ischemia. A major result will be to improve outcomes for Australian patients