Measuring serotonin and adenosine in spinal fluid to identify injuries in spinal cord injury patients
Official title: Cerebral spinal fluid serotonin and adenosine levels detect secondary injuries in traumatic spinal cord injury patients
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10887104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the levels of certain chemicals in the fluid around the spine of people who have had spinal cord injuries, to see if they can help us understand and prevent further damage after the injury, with the hope of improving recovery for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $111,307 |
| NIH project number | 1K99GM159353-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic spinal cord injuries or those who do not have measurable levels of serotonin and adenosine in their cerebrospinal fluid may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the levels of serotonin and adenosine in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries. By analyzing these biomarkers, the study aims to detect secondary injuries that occur after the initial trauma, which can worsen patient outcomes. The research will involve collecting and analyzing patient samples to establish a connection between these biomarkers and the severity of secondary injuries. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies that can mitigate these secondary injuries and improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for identifying and treating secondary injuries in spinal cord injury patients, enhancing their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using serotonin and adenosine as biomarkers for secondary injuries is novel, similar studies have shown promise in identifying biomarkers for other types of injuries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fields, Daryl — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Fields, Daryl
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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.