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Pharyngeal Wall Folding: Role In Upper Airway Collapsibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$217,274.00
Summary
In obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) the throat closes during sleep. In order for the throat to close the surface of the throat has to fold. Mathematical models predict that the more folds present, the more stable a structure will be. This research will examine how folding of the airway surface of the throat is achieved in subjects with and without OSA. It will also develop ways of changing the folding patterns using bench, animal and human studies. This will result in new treatments for OSA.
While many cases of asthma are mild, severe cases require extensive health care resources and are virtually unresponsive to conventional treatment. This project will investigate whether specific compounds released from the airway are able to cause lung damage and airway abnormalities similar to that in severe asthma. We will investigate whether these changes are responsive to conventional therapy and investigate a potential treatment for regaining this responsiveness in severe asthma.
Intrinsic Response Of Airways To Cyclical Dilation And Elongation In Breathing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$355,014.00
Summary
Variations in lung pressures during breathing produce cyclical expansion of the airway tubes. These respiratory movements provide one of the most powerful protective mechanisms for the lung. The protective mechanism fails in asthma so that cyclical expansion of the airway tubes can make breathing more difficult. Current belief is that protective and harmful effects of lung expansion occur by either relaxation or contraction of the muscles lining the airway tubes. Findings from this laboratory su ....Variations in lung pressures during breathing produce cyclical expansion of the airway tubes. These respiratory movements provide one of the most powerful protective mechanisms for the lung. The protective mechanism fails in asthma so that cyclical expansion of the airway tubes can make breathing more difficult. Current belief is that protective and harmful effects of lung expansion occur by either relaxation or contraction of the muscles lining the airway tubes. Findings from this laboratory suggest that the above dogma needs reconsideration. The project will utilize a novel model of the lung to enable us to determine the mechanisms producing both the protective effect, and in asthmatics the harmful effects of cyclical lung expansion. Once the part of the lung that 'fails' in this aspect of asthma has been detected then therapeutic strategies can be put in place to reverse the defect.Read moreRead less
Influence Of In Utero Environment On Diaphragm Structure And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,966.00
Summary
The diaphragm is the major muscle involved in breathing. Normal function of the diaphragm is essential to survival. Preterm babies may be exposed to infection and other agents that interfere with diaphragm development and make breathing efforts weaker after birth, potentially leading to respiratory failure. This study will study diaphragms of preterm lambs to determine how fetal exposure to infection and steroids affect fetal diaphragm development, and if adverse effects are prevented by fetal t ....The diaphragm is the major muscle involved in breathing. Normal function of the diaphragm is essential to survival. Preterm babies may be exposed to infection and other agents that interfere with diaphragm development and make breathing efforts weaker after birth, potentially leading to respiratory failure. This study will study diaphragms of preterm lambs to determine how fetal exposure to infection and steroids affect fetal diaphragm development, and if adverse effects are prevented by fetal treatment with blocking agents.Read moreRead less
THE EFFECT OF LONG ACTING BRONCHODILATORS ON VENTILATION IN COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,676.00
Summary
COPD is a common and important smoking-related lung disease. Well-established treatments with inhaled medications including long-acting bronchodilators have a proven clinical track record. However the physiological basis for their effects is still under investigation. This research examines some of the physiological changes in lung function and the response to long-acting bronchodilators in patients with COPD, and may help explain why some patients respond to therapy while others do not, leading ....COPD is a common and important smoking-related lung disease. Well-established treatments with inhaled medications including long-acting bronchodilators have a proven clinical track record. However the physiological basis for their effects is still under investigation. This research examines some of the physiological changes in lung function and the response to long-acting bronchodilators in patients with COPD, and may help explain why some patients respond to therapy while others do not, leading to more targeted therapeuticsRead moreRead less