Membrane channel blockers to protect the brain after mild blast injury
Non-selective membrane channel blockers for mTBI
Testing whether drugs that block certain membrane channels can reduce long-term inflammation and thinking or mood problems after mild blast-related brain injury in Veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11400848 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a rat model that mimics repeated low-level blast exposures seen in combat to study chronic brain and behavior changes. They give non-selective membrane channel blocking drugs after blast exposure and track behavior, inflammation, astrocyte injury, and gene activity in the brain. The team combines behavioral tests with RNA transcriptomics and tissue studies to see whether blocking these channels prevents the delayed cognitive and PTSD-like symptoms. Findings from these preclinical experiments are intended to guide future treatments that could be tested in Veterans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal future participants would be Veterans who experienced mild blast-related traumatic brain injury and continue to have cognitive deficits or PTSD-like symptoms.
Not a fit: People with brain injuries not caused by blast exposure, those with moderate-to-severe TBI, or those who have already fully recovered are less likely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce chronic brain inflammation and lower the risk of long-term cognitive and mental health problems after blast-related mTBI.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-inflammatory strategies for TBI have shown mixed results in the past, and using membrane channel blockers for blast mTBI is relatively new with promising preclinical signs but limited human data.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- James J Peters VA Medical Center — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cardozo, Christopher P — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cardozo, Christopher P
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.