Physiology Research Interests

Research Interests of Department

* Control of preimplantation embryo growth and development.
* Mechanisms regulating ovulation.
* Signalling systems involved in the control of cell differentiation.
* Neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology of the polyamines
* pathophysiology of stroke and Parkinson's disease
* neurodevelopment in vitro models

The department is currently involved in co-operative research with departments in England, France, Germany and Italy. This research has been supported by European Union, Wellcome Trust and national funding agencies and industry.
 
Specialised Equipment in Department

* Two bio-compatible HPLC systems
* Tissue culture facilities
* Fluorescence microscopy
* Patch Clamp system
* Voltage clamp system
* Computer lab
* Image analysis suite
* Isolated heart perfusion system
* Electrophoresis, development/blotting system

PhD Opportunity

Project title: Role of inflammatory mediators in altered ion secretion in the mammalian oviduct: Towards understanding Pelvic inflammatory Disease.

Description: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a very common problem which mainly affects the upper genital tract. PID can be caused by a number of micro-organisms and can be sexually or non-sexually acquired. In the absence of the correct diagnosis and treatment, PID can become a significant chronic health problem, in excess of one million women are treated for acute PID each year in the US alone . Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common causative agents of PID. Inflammatory responses to infection are a normal and essential protective mechanism in the reproductive tract. However this response can also result in significant damage, untreated PID can cause extreme pain, infertility, increase the chances of ectopic pregnancy and result in altered menstrual function. PID presents with all the hallmarks of an inflammatory response gone awry, surprisingly though, little is known about the local microenvironment of the oviduct and alterations that occur in response to inflammatory mediators. This project will examine the role of local inflammatory mediators have on oviduct epithelial cell functions in terms of ionic secretion and calcium signaling pathways using a range of techniques including electrophysiology, fluorescence microcopy and molecular biology.

Applicants with appropriate background in Biology, Physiology, Anatomy or biochemistry are invited

Start Date October 2008

Enquiries and applications to 
Dr. Leo Quinlan, Physiology Department, NUI Galway, Ireland 

email: leo.quinlannuigalway.ie

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