Does Renal Afferent Nerve Activation Contribute To Cardiac Sympathoexcitation And Decreased Renal Function In Heart Failure?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Removal of the nerves sending information between the kidneys and the brain reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients. There is intense interest in the use of this procedure in heart failure patients, as it may reduce the harmful high level of nerve activity from the brain to the heart and kidneys. Using an experimental model of heart failure, I will determine whether this approach is beneficial in heart failure and its mechanisms of action.
Mechanisms Responsible For Neurogenic Hypertension: A Novel Interaction Between GABAergic Modulation Of Amygdalo-hypothalamic Pathways And MicroRNA Regulation Of Renin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,220.00
Summary
A genetic model of hypertension will be used to understand the interrelated role of the brain, nervous system and kidney. The proposed studies will test the hypothesis that disruption of inhibitory neurochemicals in specific regions of the brain, leads to greater nervous system activation of the kidney, which in turn decreases an inhibitory molecule, ultimately resulting in greater activation of a hormonal system responsible for raising blood pressure.
Determining The Mechanism Of Obesity Induced Elevated Blood Pressure And Glucose Dysregulation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
My research focuses on determine the link and mechanisms behind the development of metabolic diseases in obesity and specifically determining the reason for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this area I have been able to generate strong physiological techniques which have enabled answering these questions possible, and I endeavor to continue to create and establish new techniques to continue to answer physiological questions.
A Neuro-immune Axis Regulates Beige Adipocyte Development And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Obesity and overweight are modern epidemics that affect two-thirds of Australian adult for which there is no effective therapeutic medicine. Prolonged exposure to cold environment augment energy burning in the body which can potentially suppress weight gain. In this project, I aim to investigate how cold environment induces energy expenditure and identify novel avenue for the treatment of obesity.
The Association Of Distorted Central Processing, Small Axon Dysfunction And Inflammation In Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,431.00
Summary
The mechanisms underlying pain in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which results from compression of a nerve at the wrist, are not well understood. In a combination of human and animal studies, we will examine whether the pain involves abnormalities of skin and brain function and whether inflammation in the nervous system may be responsible for such abnormalities. We will test whether surgical outcome can be predicted by these variables. Accurate predictive tests would avoid unnecessary surgery.
Investigating Cortical Plasticity And Connectivity In People With Chronic Low Back Pain And Controls Using Combined TMS_EEG
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Little is known about the factors that predispose the development of chronic low back pain or what changes underpin effective treatment. Brain changes, thought to reflect adaptive processes are associated with chronic pain, but the extent of their contribution to CLBP is unknown. By measuring the adaptability of brain changes in people with CLBP I will determine if they differ from healthy controls in a way that predisposes them to develop chronic pain and is related to treatment response.
Central Excitatory Pathways Of The Autonomic Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,164.00
Summary
The central pathways of autonomic regulation are well known, but the functions of specific pathways in physiological settings remains an elusive goal. We will evaluate the role of two physiologically important autonomic pathways for sleep apnea and the circadian control of the body by genetically deleting the transmitter, glutamate, in transgenic mice. A greater understanding of these pathways is critical in unraveling autonomic nervous system function in health and disease.