How fetal alcohol exposure affects brain blood vessel development

Fetal alcohol exposure and cerebrovascular development

NIH-funded research University of South Florida · NIH-11031941

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect the way blood vessels grow in a baby's brain, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding the risks of fetal alcohol exposure and its impact on brain development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031941 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of fetal alcohol exposure on the development of blood vessels in the brain. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to understand how alcohol consumption during pregnancy affects cerebral circulation and brain development in fetuses. The research involves collaboration between bioengineers and cerebrovascular physiologists to develop high-resolution imaging methods suitable for small animal models. The ultimate goal is to identify critical periods and mechanisms of cerebrovascular response to alcohol, which could lead to early detection and intervention strategies for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who consume alcohol and may be at risk of having children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or those whose children are already diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and intervention strategies for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, potentially reducing their long-term impacts on affected individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of alcohol on fetal development, but this specific approach utilizing advanced imaging techniques is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.