Neurological Manifestations Of Experimental Neuronal Voltage-gated Potassium Channel Autoimmunity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$65,148.00
Summary
Antibodies against neuronal voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC) are seen in various neurological illnesses, most commonly epilepsy and memory loss. The role of VGKC antibodies in the development of brain disease will be studied by immunizing rabbits against VGKC and transferring these antibodies to mice.
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
Molecular Basis Of Voltage Dependent-activation Of HERG K+ Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,500.00
Summary
The rhythm of the normal heart beat is controlled by electrical signals mediated by the flow of electrically charged atoms called ions. The flow of ions across heart cell membranes is predominantly mediated by proteins called ion channels that open and close in response to changes in the voltage across the cell membrane. One of these channels, called the HERG channel, has some unusual properties. Most notably, HERG channels open very slowly following an electrical stimulus, so slowly that they d ....The rhythm of the normal heart beat is controlled by electrical signals mediated by the flow of electrically charged atoms called ions. The flow of ions across heart cell membranes is predominantly mediated by proteins called ion channels that open and close in response to changes in the voltage across the cell membrane. One of these channels, called the HERG channel, has some unusual properties. Most notably, HERG channels open very slowly following an electrical stimulus, so slowly that they do not fully open until the end of the cardiac contraction cycle. These channels are therefore particularly well placed to help suppress arrhythmias initiated by premature or ectopic beats. We propose to undertake a detailed investigation into the mechanisms by which HERG channels open and close and to determine why activation of these channels is so slow. These results will provide a greater understanding of how HERG channels work and how the normal activity of HERG channels helps to suppress abnormal heart rhythms.Read moreRead less
The key to how the brain works lies in its capacity to modify the strength of its connections. During development, input to the brain from our sensory organs shapes the properties of synaptic contacts and target neurons. This project is aimed at understanding the pathways in the brain related to our sense of hearing, and discovering what is different about these pathways in congenital deafness, where the brain does not receive the appropriate signals during development.