Investigating how anesthetics affect brain activity across different regions
Official title: Brain Wide Anesthetic-Active Neuronal Network
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11117147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how anesthesia affects certain brain cells and their connections, with the goal of finding ways to make anesthesia safer and more effective for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $537,226 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151556-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled for surgeries requiring anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgical procedures or do not require anesthesia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between anesthetics and specific neural circuits in the brain. By utilizing advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy and 3D imaging, the study aims to identify which neurons remain active during anesthesia and how these neurons influence consciousness. The approach involves mapping brain activity and connectivity to better understand the mechanisms of anesthesia. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved anesthetic techniques and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer anesthesia practices for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain activity related to anesthesia, but this study aims to provide a novel, comprehensive mapping of brain-wide circuits.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Proekt, Alexander — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Proekt, Alexander
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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.