Amygdala lateralization and bladder pain: how brain sides affect pain and distress
Official title: Impact of Amygdala Lateralization on Processing and Modulation of Bladder Pain
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11381983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the left vs right amygdala in the brain influences bladder pain and related emotions to help people with chronic pelvic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,002,433 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DK115478-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with UCPPS or related chronic bladder pain conditions who may benefit from brain-based treatment strategies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose pain is driven primarily by peripheral factors not addressed by central nervous system mechanisms may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how different parts of the brain’s amygdala may regulate persistent bladder pain and anxiety in urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS). Using animal models, the study will examine how lateralization of the amygdala affects pain processing and emotional responses, with a focus on translating these insights to human conditions. Findings could reveal brain mechanisms behind chronic visceral pain and guide future therapies targeting central nervous system pathways. The work aims to uncover whether refining brain circuits can reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients with UCPPS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new brain-targeted approaches to treat chronic bladder pain and its emotional impact.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests brain regions including the amygdala can influence pain and affect, supporting a translational path, though lateralization findings are ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolber, Benedict J — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Kolber, Benedict J
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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.