Imaging oxygen and blood flow in the eye and brain
Two-photon Imaging of Oxygen and Blood Flow in Retinal and Cerebral Vasculature
This study is looking at how aging and diseases like Alzheimer's affect blood flow and oxygen delivery in tiny blood vessels in the eye and brain, using a special imaging technique that doesn't require any surgery, to help find better ways to treat and screen for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795712 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on using advanced imaging techniques to study how oxygen delivery and blood flow in the retinal and cerebral microvasculature are affected by aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. By employing a novel two-photon imaging method, researchers aim to measure oxygen levels and blood flow in detail, allowing for a better understanding of microvascular changes. This noninvasive approach leverages the accessibility of retinal tissue to provide insights into the progression of cerebral small vessel disease. The findings could lead to improved therapeutic strategies and screening methods for conditions related to microvascular dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or those at risk due to age or family history.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to microvascular dysfunction or those who do not exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to study microvascular changes, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sakadzic, Sava — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sakadzic, Sava
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.