Unravelling a gut-brain pathway regulating fluid intake. Fluid intake must be strictly regulated to maintain proper fluid balance. Control of drinking involves multiple pathways, including signals der

Description

Unravelling a gut-brain pathway regulating fluid intake. Fluid intake must be strictly regulated to maintain proper fluid balance. Control of drinking involves multiple pathways, including signals derived from the gut inform on fluid volume and osmolarity. However, how the gut senses fluid intake remains unknown. We have discovered a specific cell type and ion channel in the gut responsible for sensing fluid intake and initiating a signal to the brain to cease drinking. The thirst response to dehydration is essential for proper health but is reduced in the elderly, driving health burdens related to dehydration, cognition, kidney function and cardiac events. Study outcomes will unravel this complex but important physiological system and inform future strategies for managing fluid imbalance.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3109 - Zoology. Lead: Prof Damien Keating