How a brain estrogen receptor may drive blood pressure changes after menopause
Contribution of G protein coupled estrogen receptor to changes in hypothalamic plasticity and hypertension susceptibility in mice with accelerated ovarian failure
['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11249164
Researchers are testing whether a specific estrogen receptor in the brain changes blood pressure during and after menopause for people going through menopause.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model that mimics human peri- and postmenopause to study how the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) affects brain circuits that control blood pressure. Scientists induce accelerated ovarian failure with a chemical (VCD) to reproduce menopausal hormone changes, use a slow-pressor angiotensin II treatment to reveal hypertension susceptibility, and examine neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus for signaling and structural changes. The team compares peri- and postmenopausal stages to see when GPER-linked changes emerge and how they interact with other estrogen receptors and glutamate signaling. Results aim to clarify whether targeting GPER-related pathways could alter menopause-linked high blood pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research would be most relevant to women who are in perimenopause or postmenopause and who have new or worsening high blood pressure.
Not a fit: People whose hypertension is clearly due to other causes (for example kidney disease), men, or premenopausal women are less likely to benefit from findings focused on menopausal mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce high blood pressure in women during and after menopause by targeting brain estrogen signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show estrogen receptors influence brain regulation of blood pressure, but applying the accelerated ovarian failure model and focusing on GPER is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MILNER, TERESA A — WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- Study coordinator: MILNER, TERESA A
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.