Biliary tree-sphincter of Oddi neural reflexes

Funded Activity Summary

The sphincter of Oddi is a valve-like structure, which regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the gut. The sphincter of Oddi is under complex control involving nerves and hormones. We know that abnormal sphincter of Oddi function (sphincter of Oddi dysfunction) is associated with a number of human diseases including acute pancreatitis. We are able to recognise abnormal sphincter activity, but we do not know what causes it. One possible reason may be that the nerves going to the sphincter along the bile duct (which carries bile from the liver and gallbladder) may be damaged due to the passage of gallstones or during surgery on the bile ducts or gallbladder. We know that the main bile duct is able to sense pressure changes within and communicate this information (via nerves) to the sphincter which inturn alters its activity to relieve the pressure. Where these nerves are located and the chemical messages they use, are unknown. The aim of this project is to gain some of this information. This knowledge may allow us to design different surgical procedures or develop drugs to prevent or manage the abnormal sphincter of Oddi.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2000

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $209,656.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Medical bacteriology

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

acute pancreatitis | bile duct stones | biliary pressure | biliary reflexes | common bile duct | gallbladder | gallstones | liver transplantation | sphincter of Oddi | sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

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