How organophosphate exposure causes inflammation and damages brain white matter
Inflammation and white matter microstructural alterations after OP exposure
This project looks at whether exposure to organophosphate chemicals (like some pesticides and nerve agents) leads to lasting inflammation and microstructural damage in the brain's white matter that could explain long-term problems in survivors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159382 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will recreate organophosphate exposure in controlled experiments and use high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to map changes in the brain's white matter. They will study how seizures and inflammation after exposure contribute to those changes and test an intervention meant to limit damage. The work combines imaging, tissue analysis, and targeted treatments to understand why survivors develop long-term brain problems. Results aim to link specific biological processes to the symptoms people experience after exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who were exposed to organophosphate chemicals (for example, certain pesticides or nerve agents) and who have ongoing cognitive, mood, memory, or neurological symptoms would be the most relevant candidates to benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: People without a history of organophosphate exposure or whose symptoms come from unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or reduce long-term brain damage and neurological symptoms after organophosphate exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown white matter changes after organophosphate exposure and status epilepticus in animals and human survivors, but testing interventions to prevent microstructural damage is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Bethesda, United States
- Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med — Bethesda, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marini, Ann M — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Marini, Ann 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.