Rhythmicity, Synchronicity and Spasm in Smooth Muscle

Funded Activity Summary

Many cellular systems undergo rhythmical spontaneous chemical and-or electrical activity . This activity, often referred to as pacemaking, is prevalent in many organs underlying brain waves or causing heart beats or rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle. Our studies on pacemaker rhythmicities in smooth muscle have revealed a novel mechanism, one which is entirely different to that responsible for heart pacemaking, the generally held model for electrical pacemakers. We aim to study the mechanism in depth so that we can fully describe its operation. This knowledge will provide insight into phenomena such as spontaneous contractions in blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and in the gastrointestinal tract, activities which are the norm and which are likely to have major influence on blood pressure, the propulsion of lymph and gut peristalsis. The knowledge will in the longer term lead to a better understanding of rhythmicities generally as far ranging as uterine contractions during childbirth to brain waves. An understanding of the pacemaker mechanism may also provide a key to understanding debilitating conditions such as vasospasm which can lead to death or serious disability.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2001

End Date: 01-01-2005

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $614,520.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Medical biotechnology diagnostics (incl. biosensors)

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

calcium ion imaging | confocal microscopy, patch clamp | intestinal motility disorders | lymphatic, vascular and intestinal smooth muscle | lymphoedema | smooth muscle electrophysiology | vasomotion and cellular rhythmicity | vasospasm

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