Protecting Brain Cells that Control Consciousness After Cardiac Arrest
Protection of Thalamic Neurons Which Regulate Consciousness by Ethosuximide After Cardiac Arrest - A Randomized Pre-Clinical Trial
['FUNDING_R21'] · CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11233755
This project explores if a medication called ethosuximide can protect important brain cells and improve consciousness for people after cardiac arrest.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11233755 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
After cardiac arrest, many people experience disorders of consciousness like coma, which currently have no specific treatment. This work focuses on a specific area of the brain, the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), which is crucial for consciousness and often damaged after cardiac arrest. We are looking at how certain brain cell activity, called 'bursts,' might contribute to this damage. By using ethosuximide, an existing medication, we hope to prevent these harmful bursts and protect TRN brain cells, ultimately aiming to improve recovery and quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This preclinical work is foundational for future treatments for patients who experience disorders of consciousness, such as coma, after cardiac arrest.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced cardiac arrest or related brain injury would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment to prevent brain damage and improve recovery of consciousness for cardiac arrest survivors.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel in targeting Cav3.3-dependent bursts in TRN neurons after cardiac arrest, though ethosuximide is an FDA-approved drug for absence seizures.
Where this research is happening
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES
- CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE — WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TON, HOAI — CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: TON, HOAI
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.
Conditions: Absence Seizure Disorder, Acquired brain injury