Investigating how isoflurane may protect the brain after a hemorrhagic stroke.
Official title: Molecular mechanisms underlying isoflurane conditioning-induced neurovascular protection in subarachnoid hemorrhage
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10849790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common anesthetic called isoflurane might help protect the brain after a serious condition called aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and it's using animal models to find out how it works so that new treatments can be developed for people with brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,160 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS125038-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage or are at risk for such brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain injuries not related to subarachnoid hemorrhage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how isoflurane, an anesthetic, can provide neurovascular protection in cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The study involves using animal models to explore the molecular mechanisms behind this protective effect and aims to develop new therapeutic strategies based on these findings. Researchers will employ various techniques, including immunohistochemistry and optical imaging, to assess brain function and outcomes after SAH. The ultimate goal is to translate these insights into potential treatments for patients suffering from brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve recovery and outcomes for patients who experience aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using isoflurane for neurovascular protection in SAH is novel, similar anesthetic conditioning strategies have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Athiraman, Umeshkumar — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Athiraman, Umeshkumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cognitive screening after an aneurysmal brain bleed
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-
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This project is creating a blood test to spot which people who had a brain aneurysm bleed are likely to develop delayed brain injury in the days after the bleed.
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3D brain blood vessel model to study subarachnoid hemorrhage and test therapies
A researcher will develop a 3D printed, biomimetic brain model to study subarachnoid hemorrhage and screen potential nanoparticle-based treatments.
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Biomarkers to Fine-Tune Intrathecal Nicardipine for Brain Bleeding-Related Stroke
Researchers are testing biomarkers to personalize intrathecal nicardipine treatment for patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent brain damage.
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Adropin as a shield for the brain after a brain hemorrhage
A potential treatment with adropin is being studied to protect brain cells after a subarachnoid hemorrhage and reduce stroke-like damage.
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Manganese-based compound as a potential therapy for subarachnoid hemorrhage
A new manganese porphyrin-based drug is being explored as a possible treatment to reduce brain injury after a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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.