Cardiovascular and respiratory reflex activation during exposure to hypoglycaemia: assessing the role of the carotid body

A fall in blood glucose (hypoglycemia) activates multiple protective cardiovascular and respiratory reflexes to preserve glucose delivery to the brain. In some people these reflex responses are weakened, making them more vulnerable to the effects of hypoglycemia. A key question is whether these protective reflex responses can be enhanced/restored. We have recently shown that carotid body stimulation in hypoglycemia is necessary to activate some of these protective cardiovascular and respiratory reflexes. Stimulation of the carotid body in hypoglycemia is due to adrenaline acting on beta-adrenoceptors. Therefore, by increasing carotid body activity we may be able to restore the cardiovascular and respiratory reflex responses to hypoglycemia.

In this project we will evaluate cardiovascular and respiratory reflex responses to hypoglycemia in preclinical human and animal models. This will include measurements of breathing, heart rate, metabolism and blood pressure. We will see if short or long-term adaptive changes in carotid body function increase the size of these reflex responses. Therefore, this project has the potential to identify a new role for the carotid body in evoking corrective changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory reflex responses to hypoglycemia. This should encourage development of carotid body targeted therapies aiming to protect against the effects of hypoglycemia.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a strong background in one of the following: biomedical sciences, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology or neuroscience. They should have a commitment to biomedical science or physiology research and hold, or realistically expect to obtain, at least an Upper Second-Class Honours Degree in biomedical sciences or a physiology related subject.

How to apply

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Andrew Holmes ([Email Address Removed]), Dr Joseph Welch ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Andrew Coney ([Email Address Removed]), who will form the supervisory team.

Applications should be directed to Viktorija Ziabliceva ([Email Address Removed]). To apply, please send:

• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;

• Names and addresses of two referees;

• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;

• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;

• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.