Investigating how serotonin affects sleep apnea and heart failure in spinal cord injury.
Official title: 5HT-a common unifying mechanism responsible for central sleep apnea, sympathoexcitation and heart failure in spinal cord injury.
Funded at John D Dingell VA Medical Center · NIH-10951534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low serotonin levels might make sleep apnea worse in people with spinal cord injuries, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve their sleep and heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | John D Dingell VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006288-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly those experiencing central sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without spinal cord injuries or those not experiencing sleep disordered breathing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between serotonin levels and sleep disordered breathing, particularly central sleep apnea, in individuals with spinal cord injuries. It aims to explore how reductions in serotonin may lead to increased severity of sleep apnea and its connection to heart failure. The study will utilize mouse models to examine the frequency and duration of apneic events and their physiological responses to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels. By identifying these mechanisms, the research hopes to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for sleep apnea and heart failure in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking serotonin levels to sleep apnea in spinal cord injury is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in sleep disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
John D Dingell VA Medical Center
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mateika, Jason H. — John D Dingell VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mateika, Jason H.
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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.