Our research
Investigating novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders
Myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, causing heart tissue damage from lack of oxygen and nutrients. MI can be deadly and, along with angina, is the leading cause of death in Australia. The only treatment for MI is reperfusion, but restoration of blood flow to the heart can lead to further tissue death (ischaemia-reperfusion injury). Those who survive the incident continue to suffer the consequences in post-MI remodelling, hypertrophy and fibrosis of the heart.
There are currently no effective pharmaceutical treatments for ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Adenosine receptor activation is the most powerful heart-protective mechanism currently known. Direct activation of adenosine receptors, either during or after ischaemia-reperfusion injury, reduces tissue death and improves post-MI heart function.
Despite their strong therapeutic potential, activating adenosine receptors can also lead to decreased and impaired control of heart rate and decreased blood pressure. These on-target effects prevented transition of adenosine receptor activation into the clinic.
