How carbon monoxide affects the brain's clearance system and inflammation

Inflammatory changes and glymphatic dysfunction in carbon monoxide neuropathology

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11307591

This project looks at how carbon monoxide exposure causes inflammation and interferes with the brain’s cleanup pathways in people who have been poisoned by CO.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11307591 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you take part, researchers will study how carbon monoxide damages the brain’s glymphatic (cleanup) system and causes inflammation. They will use animal experiments with MRI and microscopy to trace how tiny particles from brain support cells move and affect blood immune cells. They will also compare blood samples from people treated for CO poisoning to see if those particles and inflammatory signals link to worse outcomes. The goal is to connect what is seen in mice with measurable markers in patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who recently experienced carbon monoxide poisoning and are willing to provide clinical information and blood samples.

Not a fit: People without a history of carbon monoxide exposure or whose neurologic symptoms have other known causes are unlikely to benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify blood markers and mechanisms that help predict or prevent long-term brain problems after carbon monoxide poisoning.

How similar studies have performed: Some prior animal research links glymphatic failure and inflammation to brain injury, but using astrocyte-derived microparticles as blood markers in CO poisoning is a relatively new approach.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired brain injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.