How ghrelin affects nerve channels after spinal cord injury
Official title: Ghrelin Modulation of CaV 2.2 Channels After Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10838353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called ghrelin affects the nerves in the gut after a spinal cord injury, aiming to understand why gut problems happen in people with these injuries and to find new ways to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,788 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK136279-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10838353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are suffering from gastrointestinal issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without spinal cord injuries or those not experiencing gastrointestinal dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the hormone ghrelin influences nerve activity in the gastrointestinal system following spinal cord injury. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, which is a common issue for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Using an animal model, the study employs advanced techniques such as molecular imaging and nerve recordings to explore how ghrelin interacts with specific receptors in the vagus nerve, which is crucial for regulating gut function. The goal is to uncover the reasons behind reduced sensitivity of these nerves after injury, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting hormonal pathways can lead to improvements in nerve function and gastrointestinal health.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goudsward, Hannah J — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Goudsward, Hannah J
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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.