How red blood cells release ATP and affect breathing in sepsis
Red blood cell ATP export and transfusion in sepsis
This work looks at whether problems with red blood cells releasing ATP make breathing and oxygen levels worse in people with sepsis and whether transfused blood adds to that harm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289340 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research studies how red blood cells release ATP, a molecule that helps widen blood vessels, and how that affects oxygen uptake in the lungs during sepsis. Researchers use a mouse model of sepsis (cecal ligation/puncture) and controlled transfusions to see whether injured or stored donor red blood cells fail to release ATP and worsen lung injury and low oxygen. They measure RBC ATP export, lung inflammation, oxygen levels, and survival after exchanging blood between septic and healthy animals. The goal is to connect blood-cell behavior to transfusion-related breathing problems so future treatments or transfusion choices can be improved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with sepsis—especially those who are anemic and may need blood transfusions—would be the most relevant patients for this research.
Not a fit: People without sepsis or those who do not need transfusions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer transfusion practices or new treatments that reduce lung injury and improve oxygen delivery in people with sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show RBC ATP release is reduced in sepsis, but applying this idea specifically to transfusion-related lung injury is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmahon, Timothy J — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Mcmahon, Timothy J
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.