A new device to study brain chemistry and its role in pain perception
A novel microfluidic system for studying brain chemistry and application to study of enkephalin-degrading enzymes in pain perception
This study is testing a new device that can measure brain chemicals in real-time in living animals to help us understand how certain enzymes affect pain and other brain functions, which could lead to better treatments for pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112353 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel microfluidic device that allows for the measurement of brain chemistry in real-time within living animals. The device is designed to study how specific enzymes break down neuropeptides, which are crucial for various brain functions including pain perception. By using this technology, researchers aim to understand the dynamics of these processes in awake, behaving animals, providing insights into how brain chemistry affects behavior and health. The methodology involves infusing substrates into the brain and measuring the resulting chemical changes, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding pain mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions or neurological disorders that involve neuropeptide signaling.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing any neurological issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for pain management by targeting specific brain chemistry pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using microfluidic technologies for studying brain chemistry, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weber, Stephen G. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Weber, Stephen G.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.