Cell Systems Physiology

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Cell Systems Physiology
Research focus The focus of our research is to
understand the processes involved in the
important physiological functions of secretion,
contraction and cellular communication.
Disturbances of these functions underpin many
diseases. Projects involve enhancing the
understanding of the processes mediating (1)
vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetes,
pregnancy-induced hypertension, and as a result
of hypoxic insult in the developing fetus, (2)
control of untimely smooth muscle contraction,
namely, in pre-term labour, failure to progress
in labour and inappropriate contractions of the
bladder, ureter and prostate, (3) intra- and
inter-cellular signalling involving neurons and
astrocytes, and how failure of these processes
gives rise to epilepsy, schizophrenia and
Alzheimers disease. Approaches We record
electrical activity, using the patch clamp
technique in isolated cells, sharp intracellular
microelectrodes in tissues, including brain
slices, and extracellular recording of electrical
activity in organs, including the brain, and in
conscious animals, using extracellular
electrodes. We also measure cellular calcium,
since that ion is pivotally involved in
secretion, contraction and cellular
communication. We combine these core techniques
with molecular biological approaches, including
real-time PCR, protein measurement (Western
blotting) and immunohistochemistry.
The team Harry Coleman Rick Lang Helena
Parkington Marianne Tare Mary Tonta Igor Wendt
Contact IRW x52511 HCP x52505 HAC x52520 RJL
x52517 MT x52557
Department of Physiology
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Control of activity in the upper urinary tract
Whole tissue activity
Single cell currents
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Uterine activity in pregnancy and labour
Freshly isolated smooth muscle cells, uterine
tissue strips and conscious mum with baby on
board Human and sheep uterus, not in labour in
labour Elucidating function and testing potential
tocolytics eg PCO400
Conscious ewe
Single uterine cells
Uterine tissue
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Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes
Role of oxidative stress
Testing endothelial function in vitro
and in vivo
Control
Diabetic
Localization of ion channels
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Understanding individual neural and network
activity in brain
Hippocampal slice
CA1 pyramidal cells
Intracellular microelectrode
Stimulating electrode
Slice anchors
Long term potentiation memory formation
Model of epilepsy network synchronization
potentiation
WT
nAChR a4 KO
Spiny mouse hippocampal slice
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