Gastrointestinal tract research

The main focus of this research group is to gain more understanding of diseases of the digestive system.

Traditional in vitro and in vivo pharmacological methods are used, as well as molecular biology, cell culture and medicinal chemistry approaches. We have made significant contributions to knowledge of adenosine, adrenergic, tachykinin and opiate receptor function in the gut, but we are currently focussing on 5-HT receptors as therapeutic targets.

The diseases and conditions we are interested in are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis and severe idiopathic constipation. The group currently consists of academic staff members Ian Coupar, Helen Irving, Colin Pouton and Magdy Iskander (Medicinal Chemistry), and postgraduate research students. Our current collaborators include Dr Paul Desmond (Director of Gastroenterology) and the surgeons of the colo-rectal unit of St Vincent's Hospital.

Current Gastrointestinal Tract Research Projects