Ionic Conductances In Arterioles Modulated By Endothelium-derived Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$67,828.00
Summary
The endothelial cells which form the inside lining of blood vessels can release a number of chemicals, some of which can relax the muscle in the wall of the blood vessels, while other chemicals can make the blood vessels contract. The correct balance between the contracting chemicals and the relaxing chemicals is essential for normal healthy functioning of the vessels and therefore proper blood flow through the organs of the body, and for the maintenance of normal blood pressure. If an imbalance ....The endothelial cells which form the inside lining of blood vessels can release a number of chemicals, some of which can relax the muscle in the wall of the blood vessels, while other chemicals can make the blood vessels contract. The correct balance between the contracting chemicals and the relaxing chemicals is essential for normal healthy functioning of the vessels and therefore proper blood flow through the organs of the body, and for the maintenance of normal blood pressure. If an imbalance occurs, such as a decrease in the effectiveness of the relaxing chemicals, then the muscle in the wall of the blood vessels tends to be more contracted, and this may result in decreased blood flow and possibly increased blood pressure. Such imbalances may underlie the vascular complications of diabetes, Raynaud's Phenomenon and essential hypertension. In a recent study on the effects of relaxing chemicals released from the endothelial cells, we have discovered the effects of a chemical which can cause blood vessels to contract. The chemical identity of this factor and the mechanisms by which it causes contraction are not known. Since excess activity of this chemical would tend to contract the blood vessels and therefore raise blood pressure, it is important to determine the chemical identity of this substance, and to determine how it causes contraction. The eventual development of drugs to inhibit the actions of this chemical may be a possible means for treating some diseases of the vascular system. This study is aimed at determining how this factor causes the blood vessels to contract, and takes the first steps towards determining its identity.Read moreRead less
The hERG potassium ion channel is critical for the maintenance of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. The aim of this study is to map the temporal sequence of the movements of different parts of the hERG K+ channel that regulate the opening and closing of the extracellular gate of the channel. To achieve this, we will use the powerful protein engineering technique of phi-value analysis, a technique that has never before been applied to voltage-gated ion channels.
Neural Basis Of The Functions Of The Primary Visual Cortex: Roles Of Feedforward And Intracortical Inputs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,280.00
Summary
Signals from the eyes undergo extensive processing at the level of the primary visual cortex so that basic features in the scene such as lines, edges, colours and movement are coded in the activity of individual neurones. This project aims to further our understanding of this process at the basic cellular level. This will not only enable interventions that would help those with poor sight but also give us an insight into basic brain circuitry and its derangement in many neurological disorders.
Excitatory Interneurons: A Sensory Amplifier For Pathological Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$649,848.00
Summary
Changes to the nervous system during pathological pain remain poorly understood. This poses a barrier to new and more effective pain therapies. We have recently shown that a population of excitatory nerve cells, which express a protein called calretinin, form an amplifier network within the spinal cord that enhances pain signalling. This application will determine how calretinin-positive nerve cells contribute to pathological pain and can subsequently be targeted to provide pain relief.