How red blood cells affect blood flow and vascular inflammation

Red blood cell released ATP in disturbed blood flow-initiated site specific vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10457975

This study looks at how red blood cells release a substance called ATP when blood flow changes, which might help us understand why some blood vessels get inflamed and develop problems like atherosclerosis, and it's designed for anyone interested in how blood flow affects heart and vascular health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10457975 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how red blood cells (RBCs) release ATP in response to changes in blood flow, which may contribute to vascular inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis. By examining the interactions between blood flow dynamics and RBC activity, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to site-specific vulnerabilities in blood vessels. The research employs both experimental models in mice and computational simulations to explore these relationships, focusing on how RBC-released ATP influences endothelial cell function and vascular health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with conditions that may lead to disturbed blood flow.

Not a fit: Patients with stable cardiovascular health and no risk factors for atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases linked to atherosclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of examining RBC-released ATP in this context is novel, related studies have shown that blood flow dynamics significantly influence vascular health.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, 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.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseaseatherosclerotic diseaseatherosclerotic vascular disease
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.