How a brain circuit links low oxygen to changes in breathing and blood pressure
A critical forebrain-brainstem circuit contributes to the adaptive and maladaptive cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia
This work looks at how a specific brain circuit involving orexin and CRH changes breathing and blood pressure after repeated low-oxygen episodes like those in obstructive sleep apnea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252519 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient point of view, researchers are tracing a chain of brain cells that may make breathing reflexes and nerve activity stronger after repeated drops in oxygen, as happens in sleep apnea. They will use targeted brain-cell controls (chemogenetics) and lab tissue recordings to map connections from the hypothalamus to the brainstem and measure effects on reflex breathing and sympathetic nerve signals. The team will study how these changes can lead to sustained high blood pressure following chronic intermittent low-oxygen exposure. Results aim to point to specific brain targets that could be tested later for therapies to lower blood pressure linked to sleep-disordered breathing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obstructive sleep apnea or repeated nighttime oxygen drops who also have high blood pressure would be the group most likely to benefit from findings and future clinical trials.
Not a fit: People whose high blood pressure has causes unrelated to sleep-disordered breathing or intermittent low oxygen may not benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new brain targets to prevent or treat the high blood pressure often caused by sleep apnea.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has connected orexin and CRH to breathing and blood pressure control, but this specific orexin–CRH–nucleus of the solitary tract circuit and its role after repeated low-oxygen episodes is a newer, more targeted idea.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cummings, Kevin James — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Cummings, Kevin James
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.