Distribution, pharmacology, molecular identity and roles of purine receptors in enteric neurons [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof John Furness (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Fivos Vogalis

Brief description Digestive function needs to be adapted to the great variety of foods that we eat, and to our variable dietary habits. Adaptation is controlled through an extensive nervous system in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, the enteric nervous system, and through digestive system hormones. The enteric nervous system detects the volume and key chemical components in the gastrointestinal lumen and, through an integrating nerve circuitry, causes changes in the patterns of movement, fluid secretion and local blood flow. Digestive system diseases, for example irritable bowel syndrome, can involve disordered function of the enteric nervous system, and there is considerable research and development focus to identify drug targets in the enteric nervous system that can be used in therapy. Amongst potential targets are receptors for purines that are located on enteric neurons and are one of the important classes of receptor that is involved in communication between the neurons. These studies aim to identify the purine receptors, their roles in controlling digestive function and their potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of digestive disease.

Funding Amount $AUD 395,250.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant