Neurocircuitry of a novel gastrointestinal-circulatory reflex [ 2005 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Anthony Verberne (Principal investigator)

Brief description The gastrointestinal tract receives about one third of the blood pumped around the body by the heart. This implies that the gut circulation plays a major role in blood pressure control. Gut blood flow changes according to the demands imposed by altered behavioural activity. Engagement in physical exercise results in increased blood flow to the working muscles of the limbs and diversion away from the gut. Alternatively, food consumption promotes an increase in blood flow to the gut to aid digestion. While this is a normal bodily process, there are also adverse implications of the re-distribution of blood flow: in the elderly compensation for these changes is often impaired and can result in low blood pressure and fainting. In addition, the incidence of angina-related heart pain is greater after food consumption and this may be associated with re-distribution of blood flow to the gut. Cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone which is released from special cells that line the intestine, plays a role in the control of blood flow to the gut. We have developed the hypothesis that CCK acts on nerves which send a signal to the brain which, in turn, acting through other nerves, produces an increase in the flow of blood to the gut. This project is designed to study the nerve pathways in the brain which control this novel mechanism. We will record the activity of specific brain cells and nerves which are involved in the control of the blood supply to the gut. We will also examine which chemicals the brain cells and nerves use for communication with each other and so build up a model of the brain areas which are involved in gut blood flow control. This project will shed new light on the mechanisms of gut blood flow control and identify the associated brain pathways. The information will be of importance in the treatment of diseases of the circulation and food consumption-related cardiovascular changes in the elderly and obese as well as in sufferers of angina.

Funding Amount $AUD 515,625.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant