Effects of COVID-19 on brain blood vessel health in rats
Official title: Impact of SARS-Cov-2 on a Rat Model Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11190886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects the blood vessels in the brain, especially in older adults who might have a condition called cerebral amyloid angiopathy, to help us understand the risks of strokes and other brain issues after infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $236,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG089374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for potential benefit include older adults who have experienced COVID-19 and are at risk for cerebrovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or do not have risk factors for cerebral vascular diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, impacts the health of blood vessels in the brain, particularly in relation to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Using a rat model, the study aims to understand the mechanisms by which the virus may lead to vascular complications, such as strokes and neuroinflammation, especially in older adults. The researchers will analyze the accumulation of amyloid beta protein in brain blood vessels and its potential interactions with COVID-19 infection. This work is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for brain-related complications arising from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into the effects of COVID-19 on various health aspects, the specific focus on cerebral amyloid angiopathy in relation to SARS-CoV-2 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Nostrand, William E. — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Van Nostrand, William E.
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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.