How dopamine affects memory loss caused by anesthesia
Official title: Role of dopaminergic signaling on anesthesia-induced retrograde amnesia
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11070447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain signals affect memory loss after anesthesia, using fruit flies to learn more about how we remember and forget things, which could help us understand memory problems in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2025 |
| Project end | January 1, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,274 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM157963-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced memory loss due to anesthesia or similar acute events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with memory loss not related to anesthesia or acute events may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dopaminergic signaling influences memory loss that occurs after anesthesia. Using fruit flies as a model, the study examines how these creatures form and forget memories when exposed to anesthesia. The researchers will explore the role of specific dopamine receptors in both learning and forgetting processes, aiming to understand the neurobiological mechanisms behind retrograde amnesia. By analyzing the effects of anesthesia on memory retrieval, the research seeks to uncover insights that could apply to human memory disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of memory loss associated with anesthesia and other acute events.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study memory processes, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Prachi — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Shah, Prachi
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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.