How brain circuits that control arousal affect breathing and opioid-related breathing issues
Official title: Role of an arousal circuit in respiration and opioid-induced respiratory depression
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10845554 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain control breathing and how opioids can affect this, with the goal of finding safer ways to help people breathe better when using these medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,935 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL159232-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10845554 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are prescribed opioids for pain management and are at risk of respiratory depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or have no respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific brain circuits in regulating breathing, particularly how these circuits are affected by opioids. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind opioid-induced respiratory depression, which is a leading cause of death in overdose cases. By examining the interactions between the locus coeruleus and the Kölliker-Fuse region, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could help manage respiratory issues without the adverse effects associated with current treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to safer opioid use and improved respiratory support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing respiratory depression in patients using opioids.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown promise in understanding the neural mechanisms of respiratory control and opioid effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varga, Adrienn Gabriella — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Varga, Adrienn Gabriella
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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.