How estrogen affects vocal fold dryness
Estrogenic regulation of systemic vocal fold dehydration
This work looks at whether estrogen levels change how vocal cords dry out and affect voice health in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301014 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use a rat model to control water intake and hormone levels to mimic systemic dehydration and estrogen loss. Some animals will have reproductive organs removed and others will receive estradiol replacement so the researchers can compare low- and normal-estrogen states. They will measure gene activity, protein changes, tissue structure, blood flow to the larynx, and vocalizations to connect molecular and functional changes. Both male and female animals are included to reflect effects across sexes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with voice complaints related to dryness, especially people experiencing hormonal changes such as menopausal women or those on hormone therapy, would be the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: People whose voice problems stem from unrelated structural lesions, neurological disorders, or conditions not tied to hydration or hormones may not benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to hormone-based or hydration strategies to prevent or treat voice problems linked to dehydration and hormonal changes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work has examined vocal fold hydration and voice measures, but the specific role of estrogen in these changes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sivasankar, Preeti M. — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Sivasankar, Preeti M.
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.