Student research project
Supervisor(s): Associate Professor Erin Howden and Professor Vaughan Macefield
This research will seek to provide new knowledge on how the brain regulates blood pressure in response to stress.
Project summary
Our team has combined novel brain magnetic resonance imaging-based approaches with classic measurements of sympathetic nerve activity to provide new insight into the areas of the brain generating sympathetic outflow to the muscle vascular bed, a key component of blood pressure regulation. In our prior studies we have identified key components of the human sympathetic conncetome and their roles in the control of blood pressure. Showing a role for nucleus tractus solitarius, caudal ventrolateral medulla and rostral ventrolateral medulla in the baroreflex medicated control of sympathetic nerve activity as well as cortical areas that are coupled with to rostral ventrolateral medulla via the hypothalamus and midbrain periaqueductal gray. Applying this framework we now seek to understand how blood pressure is regulated in conditions where there are likely disturbances in blood pressure regulation, for example, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. We will for the first time evaluate the response of the sympathetic connectome to common environmental stressors which activate the baroreflex (i.e. orthostasis).
This project will involve developing skills in clinical human integrative physiology research including mircroneurography, brain, cardiac and vascular MRI, as well as statistical analysis and manuscript writing. The project will involve access to state-of-the-art imaging technology (7T and 3T MRI) as well as working with international leaders in this field. The scope of the project will provide an opportunity for the student to develop their own research questions. The research will be conducted in a multi-disciplinary team, that includes a dynamic group of early, mid and senior researchers spanning clinical and integrative physiology, where you will be well supported in a welcoming learning environment.
This project is suitable for a PhD student and will involve the application of human research and imaging techniques.