Thirst And Vasopressin Secretion In Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,950.00
Summary
Water homeostasis is essential for life and is achieved by a balance between water intake, controlled by thirst, and output controlled by the kidneys via the hormone vasopressin. In health the control mechanisms of thirst and vasopressin are very similar. Both are controlled by the brain. Thirst and vasopressin secretion are activated when the body becomes dehydrated or when blood volume is low. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's demands. It has a ....Water homeostasis is essential for life and is achieved by a balance between water intake, controlled by thirst, and output controlled by the kidneys via the hormone vasopressin. In health the control mechanisms of thirst and vasopressin are very similar. Both are controlled by the brain. Thirst and vasopressin secretion are activated when the body becomes dehydrated or when blood volume is low. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's demands. It has a worse outlook than many cancers including breast and prostate cancer. Because the body's demands for oxygen are not being met, the body reacts as though blood volume is low. A variety of responses lead to excess body water with congestion of various organs and oedema. The aim of this research is to explore to what extent and how, the controls of thirst and vasopressin secretion are altered in heart failure by investigating both a rat model of heart failure and patients after a heart attack. From these studies we will gain a greater understanding of how body water homeostasis control mechanisms are altered which will aid our understanding of potential treatment options for this deadly disease.Read moreRead less
Heart failure (HF) is the most common cause of hospital admission in those over 65y, and has significant morbidity and mortality. We need to develop new strategies to treat HF. Plasma vasopressin (AVP) levels are elevated in HF, and may contribute to adverse outcomes. This proposal will assess the utility of blocking the vasopressin V1 and V2 receptors in a rat model of HF. We shall also measure AVP in humans with HF. The results of this work may result in new approaches to treat HF patients.