Mapping how the kidney regulates blood flow using MRI
Resting state MRI to map autoregulation of the kidney
This study is looking at how well the kidneys can keep filtering blood even when blood pressure changes, using special imaging techniques, and it will start with healthy rats before checking how certain medications might affect this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10685502 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the kidney's ability to maintain its filtration function despite fluctuations in blood pressure, which is crucial for kidney health. Using resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the study aims to visualize and measure the mechanisms that help regulate blood flow within the kidney. The research will first be conducted on healthy rats to establish baseline patterns, and then it will explore how these mechanisms are affected by medications like furosemide. This innovative approach could lead to new insights into kidney function and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetic nephropathy or hypertension-related kidney issues.
Not a fit: Patients without kidney disease or those not experiencing fluctuations in blood pressure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of kidney autoregulation, potentially leading to improved treatments for kidney diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of MRI in kidney research is promising, this specific approach to mapping autoregulation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bennett, Kevin M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bennett, Kevin M
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 below.