Cardiovascular Neuroscience Laboratory
Research in this laboratory is also related to Cardiovascular.
Head of laboratory:
The current main research interests of the laboratory are the role of the brain in the regulation of blood pressure and sympathetic activity. Evidence suggests that sympathetic activity may be increased in long-term conditions, such as hypertension and heart failure as well as in short-term conditions, such as acute stress and exercise. Descending pathways from the hypothalamus to the brainstem are suggested to play a key role in all of these conditions.
Previous research in the laboratory clearly established the importance of a group of neurons located in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the regulation of sympathetic vasomotor activity. A major focus of interest has been the functional organisation and pharmacological properties of neural pathways from the hypothalamus to the RVLM.
Additionally, this laboratory is particularly interested in the mechanisms by which certain neural substances (e.g., angiotensin II, serotonin and nitric oxide) act on the brain to influence sympathetic activity and blood pressure. Since the hypothalamus is a key brain region regulating cardiovascular and other responses to environmental stimuli, it is hoped this research will lead to a better definition of the neural pathways and mechanisms that subserve this regulation.
