How anesthetics affect lymphatic vessel function and fluid uptake
Official title: The Impact of Anesthetics on Lymphatic Vessel Contractility and Extracellular Fluid Uptake
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10949288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different anesthesia medicines, like isoflurane and propofol, affect the tiny vessels in our body that help keep fluids balanced, which is especially important for patients who are very sick or having surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 9, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,080 |
| NIH project number | 1K08GM155886-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are undergoing surgical procedures requiring anesthesia and are at risk for fluid balance issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or do not require anesthesia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of various anesthetics on the function of lymphatic vessels, which are crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Using advanced imaging techniques in a specialized animal model, the study aims to understand how anesthetics like isoflurane and propofol influence lymphatic contractions and fluid clearance. By examining these effects, the research seeks to uncover potential disruptions in lymphatic function that could lead to complications such as edema in critically ill patients. The findings may provide insights into optimizing anesthetic use during surgeries and critical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of fluid balance in patients undergoing anesthesia, potentially reducing complications related to edema.
How similar studies have gone: While the impact of anesthetics on lymphatic function is not extensively studied, similar research approaches have shown promise in understanding fluid dynamics in critical care settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruscic, Katarina J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ruscic, Katarina 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.