How changes in blood flow affect brain signaling in health and disease
Inverse neurovascular coupling in the hypothalamus and its role in positive feedback regulation of Vasopressin neurons in health and disease
This study is looking at how brain activity and blood flow in a specific area of the brain change when the body faces challenges, like having too much salt, and it aims to help people with heart failure understand how these changes might affect their brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10994135 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between neuronal activity and blood flow in the hypothalamus, particularly how physiological challenges like salt-loading can alter this relationship. It focuses on understanding a phenomenon called inverse neurovascular coupling (iNVC), where increased neuronal firing leads to reduced blood flow, potentially causing tissue hypoxia. By using advanced techniques, the study aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for conditions like heart failure. Patients may benefit from insights into how their body's homeostatic challenges affect brain function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing conditions that disrupt bodily homeostasis, particularly those with heart failure.
Not a fit: Patients with stable health conditions that do not involve homeostatic challenges may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing conditions related to neurohumoral activation, such as heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of neurovascular coupling is established, the specific focus on inverse neurovascular coupling in deeper brain regions is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia State University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stern, Javier E — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Stern, Javier E
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.