The role of the brain GLP-1 system in the central nervous mechanisms controlling sympathetic activity
Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a molecule made by the gut and the brain that reduces appetite and helps control blood sugar levels. Drugs that mimic the effects of GLP-1 are currently used to lower body weight and treat diabetes. However, animal studies suggest that GLP-1 also has effects on the nervous system that controls heart rate and blood pressure. Currently, these effects are not fully understood and could be detrimental to people taking GLP-1 based drugs. To study the role of GLP-1 in the brain the researchers will study mice to precisely identify the GLP-1 producing nerve cells and to selectively control their activity, observing what happens to the heart and blood pressure when these GLP-1 producing nerve cells are switched on and off. This will increase our knowledge of how the brain controls the cardiovascular system in health, in obesity and in high blood pressure.
Project details
| Grant amount | £123,742 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Fellowships |
| Application type | PhD Studentship |
| Start Date | 01 October 2014 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | FS/14/43/30960 |
| Status | Complete |
