Investigating how stress and injury affect bladder function and pain signaling.
Official title: PACAP/PAC1 receptor signaling in micturition neurocircuits: effects of stress and injury/inflammation
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10923973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress and injury might affect bladder pain and urinary issues in people with Bladder Pain Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis, using animal models to find new ways to help improve treatments for those who suffer from these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $293,920 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137815-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Bladder Pain Syndrome or Interstitial Cystitis who experience chronic pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bladder dysfunction not related to stress or injury, or those with other unrelated urinary conditions, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) and Interstitial Cystitis (IC), which are chronic conditions causing pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. The study aims to understand how stress and injury influence the micturition reflex and contribute to these conditions. By using animal models, researchers will explore the role of PACAP/PAC1 receptor signaling in the nervous system and how it may lead to increased urinary frequency and pelvic pain. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate bladder dysfunction and pelvic pain for patients suffering from BPS/IC.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurochemical pathways involved in bladder dysfunction, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vizzard, Margaret Ann — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Vizzard, Margaret Ann
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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.