This study is investigating an autoimmune disease called lymphocytic hypophysitis, involving the master gland in the body, the pituitary. It often affects pregnant women and is under diagnosed. The aim of our study is to determine the cause of this disease and its unexplained link with pregnancy. We are also working on a new diagnostic test which will enable doctors to confirm the diagnosis by serological means. At present, invasive pituitary biopsy is needed. Whilst developing this new test, we ....This study is investigating an autoimmune disease called lymphocytic hypophysitis, involving the master gland in the body, the pituitary. It often affects pregnant women and is under diagnosed. The aim of our study is to determine the cause of this disease and its unexplained link with pregnancy. We are also working on a new diagnostic test which will enable doctors to confirm the diagnosis by serological means. At present, invasive pituitary biopsy is needed. Whilst developing this new test, we have identified three proteins and their genes. This information may have major implications for the study of pituitary gland function.Read moreRead less
How Commonly Used Psychoactive Drugs Affect The Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal Axis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,448.00
Summary
The body makes a number of responses when it is subjected to stress, and these include the secretion of hormones from the adrenal gland, including cortisol. It is not surprising that cortisol has effects upon the way the brain operates, nor is it surprising that diseases that are associated with stress (e.g. depression, alcoholism and other psychiatric complaints) create abnormal cortisol secretion. The drugs that are known to be successful in treating conditions such as depression and anxiety h ....The body makes a number of responses when it is subjected to stress, and these include the secretion of hormones from the adrenal gland, including cortisol. It is not surprising that cortisol has effects upon the way the brain operates, nor is it surprising that diseases that are associated with stress (e.g. depression, alcoholism and other psychiatric complaints) create abnormal cortisol secretion. The drugs that are known to be successful in treating conditions such as depression and anxiety have been shown to affect the secretion of cortisol, but, somewhat paradoxically, we do not precisely know how they operate. The aim of this research is to examine how drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of a number of psychiatric conditions (e.g. Prozac, Tofranil, Xanax, morphine and naltrexone) affect the secretion of hormones from the brain that ulitmately regulate the secretion of cortisol. We propose that the effects of these drugs is related to how they operate, and for how long they have been given. The findings generated by this research may help us determine new ways of diagnosing and treating a range of conditions.Read moreRead less
Sex Differences In The Mechanisms By Which Stress Inhibits The Secretion And Actions Of GnRH
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,055.00
Summary
It is well known that stress can impair reproduction in humans and animals but it is not understood how this occurs. Consequently there are no therapies available to overcome the detrimental effects of stress on reproduction. Stress can take many forms, such as psychological stress, surgical trauma, strenuous exercise, undernutrition, all of which may inhibit reproduction. We now know that males and females respond differently to stress and we have shown that stress is also likely to have differ ....It is well known that stress can impair reproduction in humans and animals but it is not understood how this occurs. Consequently there are no therapies available to overcome the detrimental effects of stress on reproduction. Stress can take many forms, such as psychological stress, surgical trauma, strenuous exercise, undernutrition, all of which may inhibit reproduction. We now know that males and females respond differently to stress and we have shown that stress is also likely to have different effects on reproduction in males and females. In this project we aim to determine how stress impairs reproduction in males and females. A major effect of stress appears to be to inhibit the secretion of a substance produced by the brain that is necessary for the regulation of reproduction. This substance is called gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and it acts on a small gland at the base of the brain to cause the release of hormones that are essential for reproduction in both males and females. It is also possible that stress may inhibit the actions of GnRH. Our research suggests that there may be differences between males and females in the extent to which stress inhibits the secretion of GnRH from the brain and its actions to cause the release of other reproductive hormones. In this project we will determine how stress acts in the brain to affect the secretion and actions of GnRH in males and females. Our research will make a major contribution to our knowledge of the way that stress inhibits reproduction in males and females. This information is essential in order to develop specific remedies to overcome reproductive disorders caused by stress and to improve reproductive health in both sexes.Read moreRead less
Neuroendocrine Functions Of PrRP, A Novel Hypothalamic Peptide
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,928.00
Summary
This project investigates the role of a newly discovered chemical (peptide) that is found in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which regulates the activity of the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to control many of the body?s essential processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. Some human diseases are caused by abnormalities of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland while many other diseases affect the functions of these glands, leading to w ....This project investigates the role of a newly discovered chemical (peptide) that is found in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which regulates the activity of the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to control many of the body?s essential processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. Some human diseases are caused by abnormalities of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland while many other diseases affect the functions of these glands, leading to widespread complications such as weight loss, wasting, abnormal immune responses, infertility or failure of lactation. While many of the hormones and chemicals of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland have been extensively studied, recent advances in molecular biology have led to the discovery of new chemicals that may have important regulatory functions. One of these newly discovered substances which was named Prolactin-Releasing Peptide or PrRP is the topic of this project. PrRP will be tested in a series of experiments in animals in order to determine how important it is in regulating the pituitary gland, particularly in stress and during lactation which are conditions when PrRP could be secreted. It is hoped that this research will lead to a more detailed understanding of how the reproductive and endocrine system are controlled in humans and to new methods for the manipulation of these systems under normal and disease conditions.Read moreRead less
Hormonal Predictors Of Cardiovascular Outcomes And Mortality In Ageing Men: The Role Of Androgens And The IGF System.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,035.00
Summary
As men age levels of testosterone and growth hormone fall while ill health increases. We do not know if low hormone levels directly cause heart disease. We will measure testosterone and IGF1, which reflects growth hormone, in 4,200 older men, and relate hormone levels to the future risk of ill health especially heart disease, stroke and large artery blockages. This will clarify whether low hormone levels increase risk of ill health, and the value of studies to test hormone therapy in older men.
Osteoblast Control Of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Differentiation: The Role Of Glucocorticoids And Wnt Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,131.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is an important and growing health issue. Reduced ability to make new bone is an important cause of osteoporosis. In this project we will study how the immature cells which eventually make bone are recruited and controlled. In particular, we will study how genes coding for important growth factors are regulated so that the proper signals are sent to young cells to induce them to become bone-making rather than fat-making cells.
Glycaemia And Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes In Patients With Diabetes And CKD: Methodology, Relationship And
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,661.00
Summary
Diabetes is increasing and now the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). At present the care of people with diabetes and CKD aims to achieve normal blood glucose levels in the safest possible way in order to prevent acute and chronic complications and improve outcomes and quality of life. In this project we will examine the best means by which to measure, monitor and treat blood glucose levels in such people and explore the effect of intensive blood glucose control.
I am an academic clinician who has a principal interest in all aspects of diabetes, especially treatment and complications, and who is also involved in studies of antimalarial pharmacology.