Investigating how anesthetics affect brain development through mitochondria
Official title: Mitochondria and anesthetic-induced developmental neurotoxicity
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11098892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain anesthetic drugs might affect the brain development of babies and young children, with the goal of finding safer ways to use these medications during important growth periods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $113,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM148177-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who may require anesthesia for medical procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who do not require anesthesia for medical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of anesthetic drugs on brain development, particularly how they may cause neurotoxicity during critical developmental periods. The study will explore the role of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, in mediating these effects. By examining cellular responses to anesthetics, researchers aim to identify mechanisms that could lead to safer anesthetic practices for vulnerable populations, such as infants and young children. The approach includes laboratory experiments and possibly animal models to gather data on the effects of various anesthetic agents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety guidelines for the use of anesthetics in young patients, reducing the risk of developmental issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with anesthetic use in young children, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bai, Xiaowen — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Bai, Xiaowen
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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.