How daily cycles affect breathing control in rats
Official title: Daily and circadian regulation of respiratory plasticity in freely behaving rats
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10996517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how resting and being active each day affects how well the lungs can adjust and get better after experiencing low oxygen levels, using freely moving rats to find out more about breathing changes that could help people with conditions like spinal cord injury and ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | September 12, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,408 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL176044-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who experience respiratory difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with respiratory issues unrelated to spinal cord injuries or ALS may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the daily rest and active cycles influence the ability of the respiratory system to adapt and improve following episodes of low oxygen levels in freely behaving rats. By studying the effects of acute intermittent hypoxia on breathing patterns, the researchers aim to understand the underlying mechanisms that govern respiratory plasticity without the confounding effects of anesthesia. The findings could provide insights into how similar processes might be harnessed to improve breathing in humans with conditions like spinal cord injury and ALS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving respiratory function in patients with spinal cord injuries and ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using acute intermittent hypoxia to enhance respiratory function, suggesting that this approach may be effective in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Aaron Andrew — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Jones, Aaron Andrew
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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.