Neural Control Of Colorectal Function And Identification Of Sites Of Drug Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,489.00
Summary
Constipation is a considerable problem, especially in the elderly; it occurs in 20-25% of people over 65 and in about 50% of people in nursing homes. It is also a significant concern for children, with up to 30% being affected. There are no adequate treatments and the majority of people are dissatisfied with their management. We have discovered a class of compounds that stimulate defecation. In this project we will test the effectiveness of these compounds to relieve constipation.
How Intestinal Motility Activates Sensory Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,875.00
Summary
Pain and discomfort from the gut are common and unpleasant. We understand how gut sensory nerve cells work, at the cellular, molecular and genetic level. However, movement of the gut wall and contents are the major cause of activation of sensory neurons. We know little about which particular patterns of movement cause pain. This is crucial information for accurately diagnosing human gut disorders, for monitoring effectiveness of treatments and for identifying potential new drug targets.
Unravelling The Neuropathological Basis Of The Gastrointestinal Manifestations Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$822,957.00
Summary
Parkinson’s Disease occurs in about 1% of the population. It is a distressing, progressive disease that places a severe burden on patients, families and carers. 80-90% of Parkinson’s Disease patients have constipation which causes substantial distress to patients, their families and carers. We have a rational path to therapy for constipation of Parkinson’s Disease that will be pursued in this project
Imaging The Activation Of Sensory Nerve Endings That Detect Pain In The Colorectum
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,334.00
Summary
Within the gastrointestinal tract are sensory nerve endings that detect painful stimuli. In this project a new technique has been developed that allows us to monitor and record the activation of the particular sensory nerve endings that detect painful stimuli. This project will determine how these sensory nerve endings detect pain and how drugs might be used to relieve these unpleasant sensations arising from the gut wall.