Associate Professor Laurence Ashley Blackshaw B.Sc. Hons, PhD

Current Appointments | Areas of Interest | Publications

Current Appointments

Areas of Interest

Basic Science
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease – mechanisms.
Visceral pain and functional gastrointestinal disorders – mechanisms
Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology
Neurogastroenterology and Gastrointestinal motility
G-protein coupled receptors – pharmacology
Ion channels - pharmacology

Publications

Refereed journal articles

1. Blackshaw LA, Grundy D and Scratcherd T. Vagal afferent discharge from gastric mechanoreceptors during contraction and relaxation of the ferret corpus, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1987; 18: 19-24.   (IF: 1.4)

2. Blackshaw LA, Grundy D and Scratcherd T. Involvement of gastrointestinal mechano- and intestinal chemoreceptors in vagal reflexes: an electrophysiological study, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System1987; 18: 225-234.  (IF: 1.4, 46 citations) 

3. Blackshaw LA and Grundy D. Reflex responses of vagal efferent fibres influenced by gastrointestinal mechanoreceptors to electrical afferent stimulation in the anaesthetized ferret, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology 1988; 73: 1001-1004. (IF: 2.1)

4. Blackshaw LA and  Grundy D. Responses of vagal efferent units to stimulation of gastric mechano- and chemoreceptors in the anaesthetized ferret, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1989; 27: 39-45.  (IF: 1.4, 20 citations) 

5. Blackshaw LA and Grundy D. Effects of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) on two classes of gastroduodenal vagal afferent fibre, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1990; 31: 191-202.  (IF: 1.3, 101 citations)

6. Blackshaw LA and Grundy D. Locally and reflexly mediated effects of cholecystokinin-octapepide on the ferret stomach, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1991; 36: 129-138.  (IF: 1.4)

7. Blackshaw LA and Grundy D. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) on the discharge of vagal mucosal afferent fibres in the upper gastrointestinal tract of the anaesthetized ferret, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1993; 45: 41-50.(IF: 1.4, 76 citations)

8. Blackshaw LA and Grundy D. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) on the discharge of vagal mechanoreceptors and motility in the upper gastrointestinal tract of the anaesthetized ferret, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1993; 45: 51-59.  (IF: 1.4, 62 citations)

9. Blackshaw LA.    Gastro-oesophageal and serotonergic inputs to vagal efferent neurones in the ferret, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1994; 49: 93-103.  (IF: 1.4)

10. Grundy D, Blackshaw LA and Hillsley K. The role of 5-HT in gastrointestinal chemosensitivity, Digestive Diseases and Sciences 1994; 39: 44S-47S  (IF: 1.4, 23 citations)

11. Kawahara H, Blackshaw  LA, Nisyrios V and Dent J. Transmitter mechanisms in vagal afferent-induced reduction of lower esophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure in the rat, Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1994; 49: 69-80.   (IF: 1.4)

12. Blackshaw LA, Nisyrios V and Dent J. Responses of the ferret lower esophageal sphincter to 5-hydroxytryptamine: pathways and receptor subtypes, American Journal of Physiology - GI 1995, 268: G1004-G1011. (IF: 3.4)

13. Kawahara H, Blackshaw LA, Lehmann A and Dent J. Responses of the rat lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) to vagal efferent activation.  Neurogastroenterology and Motility  1997; 9: 85-97.  (IF: 3.0) 

14. Lingenfelser Th, Blackshaw LA, Sun WM and Dent J. Pyloric motor response to central and peripheral nitric oxide in the ferret. Neurogastroenterology and Motility   1997; 9: 167-175. (IF: 3.0)

15. Partosoedarso ER and Blackshaw LA. Vagal efferent fibre responses to gastric and oesophageal mechanical and chemical stimuli  in the ferret. Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1997; 66: 169-178  (IF: 1.4)

16. Blackshaw LA, Haupt JA, Omari T and Dent J. Vagal and sympathetic influences on the ferret lower oesophageal sphincter. Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1997; 66: 179-188.  (IF: 1.4)

17. Blackshaw LA and Dent J. Lower oesophageal sphincter responses to noxious oesophageal chemical stimuli in the ferret: involvement of tachykinin receptors Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 1997; 66: 189-200.  (IF: 1.4)

18. Fraser RJ, Frisby C, Schirmer M, Blackshaw A, Langman J, Yeoh E, Rowland R and Horowitz M. Effects of fractionated abdominal irradiation on small intestinal motility: studies in a novel in vitro animal model.  Acta Oncologica 1997; 36: 705-710.  (IF: 2.5)

19. Blackshaw LA, Staunton E, Dent J, Holloway RH and Malbert CH. Mechanisms of gastro-oesophageal reflux in the ferret.  Neurogastroenterology and Motility  1998; 10: 49-56.  (IF: 3.0)

20. Smid SD, Lynn PA, Templeman R, and Blackshaw LA. Activation of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic pathways by endogenous and exogenous tachykinins in the ferret lower oesophageal sphincter. Neurogastroenterology and Motility  1998; 10: 149-156. (IF: 3.0)

21. Smid SD, Page A, O'Donnell T, Langman J, Rowland R and Blackshaw LA. Oesophagitis-induced changes in capsaicin-sensitive tachykininergic pathways in the ferret lower oesophageal sphincter. Neurogastroenterology and Motility   1998; 10: 403-411. (IF: 3.0)

22. Fraser RJ, Frisby C, Blackshaw LA, Schirmer M, Howarth G and Yeoh E. Small intestinal motility following abdominal irradiation in the isolated rat small intestine. Neurogastroenterology and Motility  1998; 10: 413-419.  (IF: 3.0)

23. Page AJ and Blackshaw LA.  In vitro recordings of gastro-oesophageal mucosal afferent fibres. Journal of Physiology  1998; 512: 907-916.  (IF: 4.4, 43 Citations)

24. Boeckxstaens GE, Hirsch DP, Kodde A, Moojen TM, Blackshaw A, Tytgat TNJ and Blommaert PJE. Activation of an adrenergic and vagally-mediated NANC pathway in surgery-induced fundic relaxation in the rat.  Neurogastroenterology and Motility   1999; 11:467-474. (IF: 3.0)

25. Lynn PA and Blackshaw LA. In vitro recordings of afferent fibres with receptive fields in the serosa, muscle and mucosa of rat colon. Journal of Physiology 1999; 518: 271-282. (36 Citations)  (IF: 4.4)

26. Page AJ and Blackshaw LA. GABAB receptors inhibit mechanosensitivity of primary afferent endings. Journal of Neuroscience 1999; 19: 8597-8602. (42 Citations) (IF: 7.5)

27. Blackshaw LA, Staunton E, Lehmann A and Dent J. Inhibition of gastro-oesophageal reflux and transient LES relaxations in ferrets by GABA receptor agonists. American Journal of Physiology - GI    1999; 277: G867-G874. (55 Citations) (IF: 3.4)

28. Blackshaw LA, Smid SD, O’Donnell T and Dent J. GABA(B) receptor-mediated effects on vagal pathways to the lower oesophageal sphincter and heart.  British Journal of Pharmacology  2000; 130 (2): 279-288. (IF: 3.6)

29. Smid SD and Blackshaw LA. Neuromuscular function of the human lower oesophageal sphincter in reflux disease and Barrett's oesophagus.  Gut 2000; 46 (6) 756-761.  (IF: 7.7)

30. Blackshaw LA, Page AJ and Partosoedarso ER. Acute effects of capsaicin on gastrointestinal vagal afferents. Neuroscience 2000; 96 (2): 407-416. (31 Citations) (IF: 3.6)

31. Page AJ, O’Donnell T and Blackshaw LA.  P2X receptor-induced sensitization of vagal mechanoreceptors in oesophageal inflammation. Journal of Physiology 2000; 523 (2): 403-411. (IF: 4.4)

32. Staunton E, Smid S, Dent J, and Blackshaw LA.  Triggering of transient LES relaxations in the ferret: role of sympathetic pathways and effects of baclofen. American Journal of Physiology - GI 2000; 279 (1): G157-G162. (IF: 3.4) 

33. Partosoedarso ER and Blackshaw LA. Roles of central glutamate, acetylcholine and CGRP receptors in afferent inputs to vagal preganglionic neurones. Autonomic Neuroscience 2000; 83: 37-48. (IF: 1.4, 24 citations)

34. Fraser RJ, Frisby C, Schirmer M, Blackshaw LA, Langman J and Yeoh E. Divergence of mucosal and motor effects of IGF-1 and LR3IGF-1 on isolated rat ileum following abdominal irradiation. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2000; 15: 1132-1137.  (IF: 1.5)

35. Smid SD and Blackshaw LA. Vagal neurotransmission to the ferret lower oesophageal sphincter: inhibition via GABAB receptors.  British Journal of Pharmacology 2000; 131: 624-630.(IF: 3.6)

36. Smid SD and Blackshaw LA. Vagal ganglionic and nonadrenergic noncholinergic neurotransmission to the ferret lower oesophageal sphincter.  Autonomic Neuroscience 2000; 86: 30-36. (IF: 1.4)

37. Partosoedarso ER, Young RL and Blackshaw LA. GABAB receptors on vagal afferent pathways: peripheral and central inhibition.  American Journal of Physiology - GI    2001; 280: G658-G668. (IF: 3.4, 26 citations)

38. Berthoud H-R, Lynn PA and Blackshaw LA. Vagal and spinal mechanosensors in the rat stomach and colon have multiple receptive fields.  American Journal of Physiology – Int  2001; 280: R1371-R1381.(IF: 3.6, 21 citations)

39. Andrew LK and Blackshaw LA, Colonic mechanoreceptor inputs to rat lumbo-sacral dorsal horn neurones: distribution, thresholds and chemosensory modulation.  Neurogastroenterology and Motility  2001; 13: 333-337. (IF: 3.0)

40. Smid SD, Young RL, Cooper NJ and Blackshaw LA. GABA(B)R expressed on vagal afferent neurones inhibit gastric mechanosensitivity in ferret proximal stomach. American Journal of Physiology - GI 2001; 281: G1494-G1501. (IF: 3.4)

41. Page AJ, Martin CM and Blackshaw LA. Vagal mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors in mouse stomach and esophagus. Journal of Neurophysiology 2002; 87: 2095-2103. (IF: 3.9, 36 citations)

42. Lehmann A, Blackshaw LA, Brändén L, Carlsson A, Jensen J, Nygren E, Smid SD. Cannabinoid receptor agonism inhibits transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and reflux in dogs. Gastroenterology  2002; 123: 1129-1134.  (IF: 13.1, 21 citations)

43. Hicks GA, Coldwell JR, Lynn PA, Jenkins D, Humphrey PA, Blackshaw LA.  Excitation of rat colonic afferent fibres by 5-HT(3) receptors  Journal of Physiology 2002; 544: 861-869. (IF: 4.4, 28 citations)

44. Brierley SM, Jones RC, 3rd, Gebhart GF, Blackshaw LA. Splanchnic and pelvic mechanosensory afferents signal different qualities of colonic stimuli in mice. Gastroenterology  2004;127:166-78. (IF: 13.1, 27 citations)

45. Page AJ, Brierley SM, Martin CM, Martinez-Salgado C, Wemmie JA, Brennan TJ, Symonds E, Omari T, Lewin GR, Welsh MJ, Blackshaw LA. The ion channel ASIC1 contributes to visceral but not cutaneous mechanoreceptor function. Gastroenterology  2004;127:1739-47. (IF: 13.1, 22 citations)

46. Page AJ, Young RL, Martin CM, Umaerus M, O'Donnell TA, Cooper NJ, Coldwell JR, Hulander M, Mattsson JP, Lehmann A and Blackshaw LA. Metabotropic glutamate receptors inhibit mechanosensitivity in vagal sensory neurons. Gastroenterology  2005; 128:402-410  (IF: 13.1)

47. Frisby CL, Mattsson JP, Jensen JM, Lehmann A, Dent J, Blackshaw LA. Inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and gastroesophageal reflux by metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands. Gastroenterology 2005;129:995-1004.  (IF: 13.1)

48. Page AJ, Brierley SM, Martin CM, Price MP, Symonds E, Butler R, Wemmie JA, Blackshaw LA. Different contributions of ASIC channels 1a, 2, and 3 in gastrointestinal mechanosensory function. Gut 2005;54:1408-15. (IF: 7.7, 20 citations)

49. Page AJ, Slattery JA, O'Donnell T A, Cooper NJ, Young RL, Blackshaw LA. Modulation of gastro-oesophageal vagal afferents by galanin in mouse and ferret. Journal of Physiology  2005;563:809-19. (IF: 4.4)

50. Jensen J, Lehmann A, Uvebrant A, Carlsson A, Jerndal G, Nilsson K, Frisby C, Blackshaw LA, Mattsson JP. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations in dogs are inhibited by a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist. European Journal of Pharmacology 2005;519:154-7. (IF: 2.4)

51. Brierley SM, Jones RC, 3rd, Xu L, Gebhart GF, Blackshaw LA. Activation of splanchnic and pelvic colonic afferents by bradykinin in mice. Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2005;17:854-62. (IF: 3.0)

52. Brierley SM, Carter R, Jones W, 3rd, Xu L, Robinson DR, Hicks GA, Gebhart GF, Blackshaw LA. Differential chemosensory function and receptor expression of splanchnic and pelvic colonic afferents in mice. Journal of Physiology  2005;567:267-81. (IF: 4.4)

53. Schloithe AC, Woods CM, Davison JS, Blackshaw LA, Toouli J, Saccone GT. Pancreatobiliary afferent recordings in the anaesthetised Australian possum. Autonomic Neuroscience 2006; 126-127:292-298. (IF: 1.3)

54. Page AJ, O'Donnell TA, Blackshaw LA. Inhibition of mechanosensitivity in visceral primary afferents by GABAB receptors involves calcium and potassium channels. Neuroscience 2006;137:627-36. (IF: 3.5)

55. Slattery JA, Page AJ, Dorian CL, Brierley SM, Blackshaw LA. Potentiation of mouse vagal afferent mechanosensitivity by ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Journal of Physiology 2006; 577: 295-306. (IF: 4.4)

56. Hughes PA, Brierley SM, Young RL Blackshaw LA. Localization and comparative analysis of acid sensing ion channel (ASIC1, 2 and 3) mRNA expression in mouse colonic sensory neurons within thoracolumbar dorsal root ganglia. Journal of Comparative Neurology 2007; 500 :863-75  (IF: 3.4)

57. Young RL, Page AJ, Cooper NJ, Blackshaw LA. Peripheral vs central modulation of gastric vagal pathways by mGluR5. American Journal of Physiology 2007; 292: G510-511 (IF: 3.4) 

58. Coldwell JR, Phillis BD, Sutherland K, Howarth GS, Blackshaw LA.  Increased responsiveness of rat colonic splanchnic afferents to 5-HT after inflammation and recovery. Journal of Physiology 2007; 579: 203-213. (IF: 4.4)

59. Sutherland K, Young RL, Cooper NJ, Horowitz M, Blackshaw LA. Phenotypic characterization of taste cells of the mouse small intestine. American Journal of Physiology 2007; 292:G1420-1428. (IF: 3.4) 

60. Page AJ, Slattery JA, Milte C, Laker R, O’Donnell TA, Brierley SM, Dorian CL, Blackshaw LA. Ghrelin selectively reduces mechanosensitivity of upper gastrointestinal vagal afferents. American Journal of Physiology 2007; 292: G1376-1384 (IF: 3.4) 

61. Page AJ, Brierley SM, Martin CM, Blackshaw LA. Acid sensing ion channels required for inhibition of afferent mechanosensitivity by benzamil. Pain (ePub online) (2007) (IF: 4.8)

62. Frisby CL, Fraser RJ, Schirmer MB, Yeoh EK, Blackshaw LA. Roles of muscarinic receptor subtypes in small intestinal motor dysfunction in acute radiation enteritis. American Journal of Physiology 2007; 293: G121-127. (IF: 3.4) 

63. Page AJ, Slattery JA, Brierley SM, Jacoby AS, Blackshaw LA. Involvement of galanin receptors 1 and 2 in the modulation of mouse vagal afferent mechanosensitivity. Journal of Physiology. 2007; 583: 675-684. (IF: 4.4) 

64. Lindstrom E, Brusberg M, Hughes PA, Martin CM, Brierley SM, Phillis BD, Martinsson R, Abrahamsson C, Larsson H, Blackshaw LA. Involvement of metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor in visceral pain. Pain (Accepted Sept 07) (IF: 4.8) 

Refereed reviews

65. Mittal RK, Holloway RH, Penagini R, Blackshaw LA, Dent J. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.  Gastroenterology  1995; 109: 601-610. (309 Citations) (IF: 13.1) 

66. Blackshaw LA, Page AJ, Smid S, Dent J, and Lehmann A. GABAB receptors – peripheral and central targets for controlling gastro-oesophageal reflux.  Current Opinion in Central and Peripheral Nervous System Investigational Drugs 2000; 2: 333-343. (IF not listed)

67. Blackshaw LA, Krantis A. Gastrointestinal  pharmacology: New therapeutic vistas.  Current Opinion in Pharmacology 1: 561-562, 2001 (Editorial) (IF: 5.4)

68. Blackshaw LA.  GABAB receptors in the brain-gastroesophageal axis. American Journal of Physiology - GI 2001; 281: G311-G315. (IF: 3.4) 

69. Blackshaw LA, Gebhart GF. Pharmacology of nociceptive pathways from the gastrointestinal tract. Current Opinion in Pharmacology 2002; 2: 642-649. (IF: 5.4)

70. Blackshaw LA. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP): a jack of all trades that masters gastric responses to stress.  Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2003;18:1-3. (IF: 1.5)

71. Berthoud HR, Blackshaw LA, Brookes SJ, Grundy D. Neuroanatomy of extrinsic afferents supplying the gastrointestinal tract. Neurogastroenterology and Motility  2004; 16: 1-6. . (IF: 3.0, 21 citations)

72. Blackshaw LA, Brookes SJ, Grundy D, Schemann M Sensory transmission in the gastrointestinal tract. Neurogastroenterology and Motility  2007; 19(1 Suppl):1-19.  (IF: 3.0)
73. Rayner CK, Jones KL, Blackshaw LA, Horowitz M. The diabetic gut – both aching and unfeeling? Pain 2007; 131: 239-240 (IF: 4.8) 

Chapters

74. Blackshaw LA and Grundy D. Vagal efferent discharge during vomiting. In: M. V. Singer and H. Goebell, ed. Nerves and the Gastrointestinal Tract. ed. Lancaster: M.T.P., 1988: 365-372

75. Grundy D, Andrews PLR and Blackshaw LA. Neural correlates of the gastrointestinal motor changes in emesis. In: Y. Tache and D. L. Wingate, ed. Brain-Gut Interactions. ed. Boca Raton: CRC, 1991: 325-338

76. Blackshaw  LA and Grundy D. Gastrointestinal mechanoreception in the control of ingestion. In: D. Booth, ed. The Neurophysiology of Ingestion.  Oxford: Pergamon, 1993: 57-77

77. Blackshaw LA, Partosoedarso ER, Haupt JA and Dent J. A peripheral peptidergic mechanism for lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation in pathophysiological conditions. In: M.V.Singer, R.Ziegler, G.Rohr eds.  Gastrointestinal Tract and Endocrine System. Lancaster: Kluwer, 1994: 293-304.

78. Grundy D, Hillsley K, Blackshaw LA, and Richards WJ. Endocrine modulation of gastrointestinal mucosal afferent fibre sensitivity. In: M.V.Singer, R.Ziegler, G.Rohr eds.  Gastrointestinal Tract and Endocrine System. Lancaster: Kluwer, 1994: 28-32

79. Blackshaw LA. What are the mechanisms of LOS pressure reduction by oesophageal acidification?, In R. Guili (Ed.), 4th O.E.S.O. World Congress, UNESCO, Paris, 1997.

80. Lynn PA and Blackshaw LA, Colonic afferents sensitive to mechanical and chemical luminal stimuli -  in vitro. In H. Goebell (Ed.), Functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome - new concepts and controversies., Kluwer, Lancaster, 1997.

81. Blackshaw LA, Brierley SM, Coldwell JR, Cooper NJ. Colonic spinal primary afferents: anatomical, histochemical, mechanosensory and chemosensory subtypes and effects of inflammation. In  G. Holtmann, N. Talley (Eds.) Gastrointestinal inflammation and disturbed gut function., Kluwer, Dordrecht,  2003; 120-125.

82. Blackshaw LA.  Functional targets for pharmacotherapy – an overview,  In D. Grundy, R.C. Spiller (Eds.) Pathophysiology Of The Enteric Nervous System: A Basis For Understanding Functional Diseases.:.  Blackwell, 2004, Chapter 17.

83. Andrews J, Blackshaw LA.  In Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH (eds.) Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease (8th Edition).   Small intestinal motor and sensory function and dysfunction. Elsevier, Philadelphia. May 2006.

84. Brierley SM, Blackshaw LA , In: Pasricha J, Willis W, and Gebhart G (eds.) Chronic Abdominal And Visceral Pain: Theory And Practice.  The Neurobiology of Visceral Nociceptors. Section II, Chapter 3. Taylor & Francis, New York, 2006.

85. Page AJ, Blackshaw LA, In: Spina D, Canning B (eds.) Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. Roles of gastro-oesophageal afferents in the mechanisms and symptoms of reflux disease.. Spinger DE, Heidelberg. 2008, In preparation.

Books and Supplements

86. Galligan JJ, Blackshaw LA.  Purinergic signalling in the gastrointestinal tract. Purinergic Signalling (New Journal, Commissioned, In Preparation).
Conference papers or abstracts

148  Published/in press in journal supplements of Gastroenterology, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Journal of Physiology, Autonomic Neuroscience, Neuroscience Letters, Proceedings of the IUPS, Neuropharmacology.

Patents

Use of drugs mimicking the action of -amino butyric acid (GABA) for therapeutic treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (five patents in total).  AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.  Successful drug development from these patents will yield financial benefit to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.  Another patent has been published on the use of drugs acting on metabotropic glutamate receptors in treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. A patent was submitted in April 2005 on which I am an author, which deals with novel pharmacotherapy for colonic sensory dysfunction.