Peripheral Mechanims Of Analgesia In Inflammatory Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$181,018.00
Summary
This proposal will explore for the first time the interaction between the peripheral nervous system and the immune system and the effect on pain. Our preliminary studies highlight the direct interaction between the immune system and the nervous system as having an integral role in the control of pain in inflammation. Indeed these studies emphasis the impact of a compromised immune system on this inflammatory pain.
Does Loss Of Melanocortin Glucose Sensing Contribute To Obesity Induced Diabetes?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,531.00
Summary
Diabetes is a failure to properly regulate blood glucose levels. Escalating rates of diabetes are a major health problem. Melanocortin neurons in the brain detect blood sugar levels and usually regulate glucose production and utilization, but in obese animals they do not. We have developed a possible therapeutic, which appears to reverse the glucose insensitivity, and rapidly reduces blood glucose in diabetic mice. This project will determine how melanocortins act to regulate glucose levels
Reproduction is controlled by the brain through the hormone gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Leptin from fat acts on the brain to 'inform' GnRH cells of metabolic state; low levels signal lack of energy stores and suppress reproduction. Leptin treatment of lean individuals restores reproductive function, but the mechanism is not clear. Our data implicate the melanocortins as a means of transmitting information on metabolic state to GnRH cells and the project investigates this pathway.