How some rodents survive extreme dehydration
Uncovering physiological and genomic mechanisms that enable dehydration tolerance in rodents
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE · NIH-11088961
Researchers are learning how certain rodents tolerate severe dehydration to find ideas that might help people who face dangerous fluid loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11088961 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how some rodents survive with very little water by measuring their body temperature, activity, metabolism, and organ function. Scientists will also look at gene activity and molecular pathways, including the RAAS system and the vasoactive molecule 20-HETE, to see what changes protect organs during dehydration. The work is done in animal models at the University of New Hampshire lab, and findings will be used to suggest potential targets for future treatments or protective strategies in people. Ultimately the team hopes to translate these animal discoveries into approaches that reduce dehydration-related illness and cognitive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit would include older adults, infants and children, people with chronic illnesses, and those with limited access to clean water or at high risk of fluid loss.
Not a fit: Patients who require immediate emergency fluid replacement or whose conditions are unrelated to fluid balance are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drugs or strategies to prevent organ failure, cognitive decline, and death from dehydration, especially for vulnerable groups.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have previously described dehydration adaptations in desert animals, but translating specific molecular pathways from rodents to safe human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MACMANES, MATTHEW DAVID — UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
- Study coordinator: MACMANES, MATTHEW DAVID
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.
Conditions: Chronic Disease