Thirst and vasopressin secretion in left ventricular dysfunction

Funded Activity Summary

Water homeostasis is essential for life and is achieved by a balance between water intake, controlled by thirst, and output controlled by the kidneys via the hormone vasopressin. In health the control mechanisms of thirst and vasopressin are very similar. Both are controlled by the brain. Thirst and vasopressin secretion are activated when the body becomes dehydrated or when blood volume is low. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's demands. It has a worse outlook than many cancers including breast and prostate cancer. Because the body's demands for oxygen are not being met, the body reacts as though blood volume is low. A variety of responses lead to excess body water with congestion of various organs and oedema. The aim of this research is to explore to what extent and how, the controls of thirst and vasopressin secretion are altered in heart failure by investigating both a rat model of heart failure and patients after a heart attack. From these studies we will gain a greater understanding of how body water homeostasis control mechanisms are altered which will aid our understanding of potential treatment options for this deadly disease.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2000

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $130,950.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Medical infection agents (incl. prions)

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Central nervous system | Dehydration | Experimental | Fluid and electrolyte disturbance | Heart Failure | Myocardial Infarction | Thirst | Vasopressin

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