How the left and right amygdala influence bladder pain
Impact of Amygdala Lateralization on Processing and Modulation of Bladder Pain
This project looks at how the left and right sides of the amygdala, a brain area involved in emotion, affect bladder pain and anxiety in people with chronic pelvic or bladder pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173653 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using animal models of bladder pain to map how the left and right amygdala process and control visceral pain and related anxiety. They will record brain activity, measure pain-related behaviors, and manipulate specific amygdala circuits to see how each side changes pain responses. Results will be connected to human imaging findings to build models relevant to urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS). The aim is to link brain circuit differences to persistent bladder pain and emotional symptoms that patients experience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS), interstitial cystitis, or longstanding bladder pain with associated anxiety would be the most relevant patients for related clinical follow-up or future trials.
Not a fit: People whose bladder pain is caused by an active infection, cancer, or clearly identified peripheral injury may be less likely to benefit from brain-focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain-targeted treatments to reduce bladder pain and the anxiety that often accompanies it.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human imaging and animal studies have suggested amygdala lateralization in pain and emotion, but translating these findings into effective treatments remains relatively untested.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolber, Benedict J — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Kolber, Benedict 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.