How immune cells in the adrenal gland affect stress hormone release
Official title: Modulation of Sympatho-Adrenal Function by Tissue Resident Macrophages
Funded at Lsu Health Sciences Center · NIH-10907015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells affect the release of a stress hormone called epinephrine, which is important for keeping our body's systems in balance, and it could help people understand how problems in this process might lead to issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $225,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178406-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autonomic dysfunction, such as those suffering from type I diabetes, hypertension, or related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable autonomic function or those not affected by the conditions being studied may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between immune cells and the autonomic nervous system, specifically focusing on how these immune cells influence the release of epinephrine, a key stress hormone. By examining the signaling pathways involved, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that regulate autonomic function, which is crucial for maintaining balance in various bodily systems. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how dysregulation in this system can lead to conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions related to autonomic dysfunction, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the connection between the immune and autonomic systems is being explored, this specific approach to understanding epinephrine regulation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whim, Matthew — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Whim, Matthew
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.