Dopamine and neutrophil inflammation in humans
Official title: Exploring Dopamine's Influence on Human Neutrophil Inflammatory Responses
Funded at University of West Florida · NIH-11418812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see how dopamine affects a key type of white blood cell (neutrophils) and their inflammatory responses in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of West Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pensacola, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $126,123 |
| NIH project number | 1R16AI200907-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for inflammatory or neurodegenerative conditions where neutrophil activity is relevant (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis) may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
People without inflammatory or neurodegenerative conditions related to neutrophil activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores how dopamine, a brain chemical, influences neutrophil behavior and inflammatory actions in humans. It uses existing knowledge of neutrophil activation by signals like TNF-α and looks for how dopamine might modulate adhesion, chemotaxis, degranulation, and reactive oxygen species production. The research could identify new angles for therapies targeting diseases with excessive inflammation, including Alzheimer’s disease and other inflammatory conditions. Participation would involve laboratory analyses that use human samples to understand neutrophil responses in the presence of dopaminergic signals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better strategies to reduce harmful neutrophil-driven inflammation in neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows dopamine can modulate immune responses, but its effects on neutrophils in humans are not well defined, making this approach exploratory but promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of West Florida
Pensacola, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cavnar, Peter J. — University of West Florida
- Study coordinator: Cavnar, Peter 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.