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Actions Of Vanilloids In The Nucleus Of The Solitary Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Capsaicin, the active ingredient of hot chillies, and other pungent plant extracts have been used for millennia to relieve minor pain. We now know that these agents produce pain relief (analgesia) by numbing the very nerve cells (neurons) which transmit pain signals to the brain. The unique analgesic properties of vanilloids may have a place in modern medicine, giving relief to sufferers of certain types of chronic pain (e.g., neuropathic pain) which are not responsive to morphine-like analgesic ....Capsaicin, the active ingredient of hot chillies, and other pungent plant extracts have been used for millennia to relieve minor pain. We now know that these agents produce pain relief (analgesia) by numbing the very nerve cells (neurons) which transmit pain signals to the brain. The unique analgesic properties of vanilloids may have a place in modern medicine, giving relief to sufferers of certain types of chronic pain (e.g., neuropathic pain) which are not responsive to morphine-like analgesics. Indeed, the promise of more potent and less pungent vanilloid analgesics has led to the discovery of numerous naturally-occurring and synthetic vanilloids. However, although the neurons which convey information regarding blood pressure and the oxygen content of arterial blood to control centres in the brain stem are also stimulated by vanilloids, the central (brain stem) actions of vanilloids on blood pressure and respiration have not been investigated in detail. Thus, the aim of this project is to describe the characteristics of vanilloid receptors in the brain stem, determine the acute and chronic effects of naturally-occurring and synthetic vanilloids on blood pressure and respiration, and elucidate the role played by other neurotransmitter chemicals in the actions of vanilloids. The results of these studies will have major implications in the future use of vanilloids as analgesics.Read moreRead less
The Signals Of Nerve Cells That Provide The Capacity For Sight
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,115.00
Summary
Sight relies on the signals of nerve cells in the brain, but we know little about the way in which nerve cells support this, or why in some people sight is diminished. In this work we will measure the signals of nerve cells in the visual pathway to gain knowledge of these processes: we will make measurements in normal animals and in those that suffer from brain disorders. Our work will provide a scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Deep Brain Stimulation For Treatment Resistant Major Depression: Neural Correlates And Neuropsychological Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$257,561.00
Summary
Major depression is a prevalent and devastating mental illness. While there are numerous pharmacological and psychological antidepressant therapies available, many patients do not respond to these treatments. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is emerging as a potential treatment option for individuals with chronic severe treatment resistant major depression. The current project will investigate the cognitive and neurobiological outcomes associated with the use of DBS to treat depression.