Investigating how prenatal alcohol exposure affects fetal brain blood vessels

Fetal cerebral arteries and prenatal alcohol exposure

NIH-funded research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11012287

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy affects the blood vessels in a developing baby's brain, which could help us understand and find ways to prevent problems related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012287 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the development of fetal cerebral arteries. By examining animal models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which can lead to significant growth and neurodevelopmental issues in children. The researchers will analyze how alcohol exposure alters blood flow and vascularization in the fetal brain, which may contribute to various developmental disorders. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for preventing or mitigating the effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant individuals who consume alcohol and their children, particularly those at risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or those whose conditions are unrelated to fetal alcohol exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that prevent or reduce the impact of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal development, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.