Univerisity of Liverpool,
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences
Research Homepage
Research Interests
Ion Channels in diseases
(1) How the head rules the heart!!
In vitro studies of the properties and
modulation of ion channel currents in the PVN, especially those of neurones involved with the
cardiovascular response to psychological stress. For a very general
explanation, see below.
(2) The
Matrix Revolution:
The very peculiar pharmacology of chondrocytes (in collaboration with Dr
Ali Mobasheri; What are all their ion channels for (!?),
are they involved with the pathogenesis of arthritis?
Jobs!?
None current: Previous:(here)
PhD places?
A PhD place for home UK/EU students is currently available.
Please feel free to contact me!
R B J @ L I V . A C . U K
Projects are as above: Ion Channel function in connection with cardiovascular
control and musculo-skeletal system.
With Dr Richard Morris (Neurobiology).
Otherwise, if you are interested in PhD opportunities and if you have your own
funding (BIG catch), let us know!
Teaching
Biovet students: if there is any info on projects, it will be here.
Vet Students: Sorry, I keep most
stuff locked up under VITAL, for registered students only!
Except the BIO/VETS 242 synopsis
& links.
Third Year BMedSci (Birmingham University Students only) Neuroscience Links
Previous U/G Projects
Effects of steroids on recombinant potassium channels
Techniques
Mostly single-channel and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. We use this software.
Funding
RBJ is a Lecturer at Liverpool University (Dept. Veterinary Preclinical Sciences)
Question: Why the British Heart Foundation (BHF) interest?
Answer: For very good reasons. The head really does rule the heart! Several neural outputs from the brain (largely the medulla) project to the heart and blood vessels. These neural pathways control or influence the normal and pathophysiological behaviour of the circulatory system. Disturbances of this control can result in diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as hypertension. Less commonly known is another group of neurones which project from the hypothalamus (specifically the PVN) directly to sympathetic pre-ganglionic neurones in the spinal cord (e.g., neurones which modulate the cardiovascular system). Our belief is that sudden stress could result in the activation of these neurones, with potentially, serious consequences. This BHF funded project is looking into the cellular mechanisms by which chemical stress factors could activate these neural pathways. When we understand how and why these neurones become active, we can think about how we could intervene to allow normal activity, but prevent abnormal, and dangerous activation of this pathway.
Cardiovascular Neurone Publications
Chondrocyte Biophysics publications
My main Faculty Duty here is as Senior Tutor. Cv available here: RBJ CV
Feeling charitable? Why not sponsor-a-vet student?
Contact RBJ@liv.ac.uk
© The University of Liverpool
Last modified
6October 2008 14:17:31 GMT Daylight Time
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