How anesthetics affect blood flow and brain cell health in young patients
Official title: Pericyte function in anesthetic-induced vasodilation and developmental neurotoxicity
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10811278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how anesthesia might affect the brains of young children by causing brain cell damage, and it aims to understand how certain brain cells work differently in kids compared to adults during anesthesia, so we can better protect young patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $452,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD111955-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and young children who are scheduled to undergo procedures requiring general anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who do not require anesthesia for medical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to anesthetic drugs in young children may lead to brain cell death and long-term cognitive issues. The study focuses on understanding the role of pericytes, which are cells that help regulate blood flow in the brain, and how their function differs between infants and adults during anesthesia. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will observe how blood vessels in the brain respond to anesthetics in both young and adult mice. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms that may contribute to brain damage from anesthesia in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety protocols for administering anesthesia to young patients, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with anesthetic exposure in young children, but this specific investigation into pericyte function is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brambrink, Ansgar M — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Brambrink, Ansgar M
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.