Understanding vagal control of the left ventricle
The brain controls how our hearts work by sending commands via specialised nerves, which produce rapid changes in heartbeat rate and determine how hard the heart needs to work, such as during exercise. Dr Alexander Gourine at University College London has been awarded a BHF grant to bring together a unique mix of neuroscientists and heart researchers, and the latest laboratory advances, to identify a group of nerve cells which control the major pumping chamber of the heart – the left ventricle. They believe the activity of these cells is fundamental for the heart to remain healthy and function correctly. Following a heart attack, and as heart failure develops, these nerve cells may even help to heal the damaged ventricle. In this project, they will investigate how these nerves may protect the heart, determine why this protection may be absent in some people, and explore new ways to ‘switch on’ these nerves to help defend the heart. They will work out if there is a crucial window of time where this protection occurs, that they could take advantage of. This research will reveal more about how the brain controls the heart and may pave the way for new treatments to limit the damage following heart attacks and heart failure.
Project details
| Grant amount | £1,073,760 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Chairs & Programme Grants |
| Application type | Programme Grant |
| Start Date | 01 December 2014 |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Reference | RG/14/4/30736 |
| Status | In Progress |
