Preventing alcohol blackouts by protecting brain blood flow
Ethanol actions on slo channels from arteries vs. brain.
Researchers are developing drugs that protect tiny brain arteries during heavy drinking to help prevent alcohol-related memory blackouts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159843 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I’ve experienced alcohol blackouts and this project tests a new idea that blackouts can come from alcohol narrowing small brain arteries instead of only direct neuron damage. The team studies a protein (BK channel β1 subunit) in cerebral blood-vessel muscle and a specific amino acid (S160) that may let alcohol shut these channels. In the lab they will examine how alcohol affects these channels and test novel compounds that target the β1 transmembrane region to keep channels open and preserve blood flow. Most work is molecular and vascular (cell and tissue studies, and likely animal models) aimed at creating drugs that could later be tested in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who experience alcohol-induced blackouts or frequent alcohol-related memory lapses would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related memory loss or whose memory problems stem from other neurological conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to medicines that reduce or prevent alcohol-induced memory blackouts.
How similar studies have performed: This vascular-focused approach is novel—prior work mostly targeted neurons and similar β1-targeting drugs have not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dopico, Alex — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Dopico, Alex
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.