How pregnancy affects blood flow in the uterus and responds to low oxygen levels
Official title: Mechanisms of uterine artery hemodynamics adaptation to pregnancy and gestational hypoxia
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-11075270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how blood flow in the uterus changes during pregnancy, especially when there's less oxygen, like at high altitudes, to help us understand issues like preeclampsia and slow fetal growth, using pregnant sheep to learn more about how certain channels in the blood vessels work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $728,994 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169157-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those at risk for complications like preeclampsia or fetal growth restrictions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those with unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the blood flow in the uterus changes during pregnancy and how it adapts to low oxygen conditions, which can occur at high altitudes. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restrictions when the body faces hypoxia. Using an animal model of pregnant sheep, the study examines the role of specific calcium channels in regulating blood flow and pressure in the uterine arteries. The findings aim to uncover new insights into maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of pregnancy complications related to blood flow and oxygen levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models have shown promising results in understanding similar mechanisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Lubo — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Lubo
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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.