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• physiology and non-communicable disease
• neuroscience and mental health

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Anaesthetics
• Paediatrics

• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology
• Neonatology
• Neurophysiology
• Physiology
• Respiratory Medicine

Ken O?Halloran?s major focus of interest is cardiorespiratory and autonomic physiology in health and disease. His group explores adaptation and maladaptation in animal models with a particular interest in intermittent hypoxia, which is a dominant feature of sleep-disordered breathing. Beyond studies of form and function in the cardiorespiratory systems, we have recently initiated studies exploring the deleterious effects of intermittent hypoxia on renal and gastrointestinal homeostatic control. Our studies combine in vivo physiological recordings (conscious and anaesthetised preparations), with reduced ex vivo preparations and a range of biochemical and molecular biology approaches to explore fundamental mechanisms of aberrant plasticity, with a particular interest in redox biology and oxidative stress. Our studies have explored age- and sex-dependent effects of CIH, revealing increased susceptibility in males compared with females, and increased susceptibility in early life. We have plans to extend our interest in early life stress and cardiorespiratory control by way of collaboration with colleagues in the neonatal unit of Cork Maternity Hospital, with whom we currently collaborate. In recent years, we have also focussed on hypoxia-induced diaphragm muscle dysfunction, and are currently exploring the molecular physiology of this process, which has relevance for respiratory patients. Parallel studies have been extended recently to animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer?s Disease and gastrointestinal dysbiosis with an interest in the microbiome and autonomic control. Techniques include: whole-body plethysmography (respiratory behaviour & metabolism); respiratory EMG and motor unit recordings; respiratory motor nerve recordings; transdiaphragmatic pressure recording; cardiac pressure-volume loops; isolated muscle fibre contractile measurements; isolated tissue preparations; histology and immunohistochemistry (muscle, gut, brain); biochemical assays; western blot; qRT-PCR.

Biography available at: http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/C008/kohalloran

PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=o'halloran+kd

I would be happy to discuss potential projects in any of the areas that we are currently exploring (and indeed beyond). Our two main areas of strength, for which we have international recognition are: 1) cardiorespiratory control in rodent models of chronic intermittent hypoxia, and 2) hypoxic adaptation in respiratory muscles. Both areas have major relevance to very common diseases such as sleep-disordered breathing (obstructive sleep apnoea), chronic obstructive lung disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome and others. Training is provided in all of the techniques available to prospective candidates. My group provides an internationally competitive training environment providing a platform for trainees to flourish. Our approach is to facilitate trainees in shaping their doctoral training, providing ample opportunity for candidates to fashion their doctoral training experience with the security of peer, academic and technical support to ensure success.

Sample project titles:
Hypoxic stress: is it relevant to ICU acquired diaphragm muscle weakness?

Respiratory muscle weakness and fatigue in animal models of sleep-disordered breathing: mechanisms and therapies.

Sensory and motor neuronal dysfunction in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: mechanisms and therapies.

A gut feeling: does chronic intermittent hypoxia disrupt gastrointestinal physiology?