Protecting the brain from damage caused by lack of oxygen before birth

Neuroprotection by nNOS inhibitors in perinatal hypoxia-ischemia

NIH-funded research Wayne State University · NIH-10794380

This study is looking at how certain medications might help protect newborns' brains from damage caused by a lack of oxygen, which can lead to cerebral palsy, and it's using rabbits to find out what could work best for future treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project IDNIH-10794380 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) can protect the brain from damage caused by hypoxia-ischemia, a condition that can lead to cerebral palsy in newborns. Using a rabbit model that mimics human conditions of placental insufficiency, the study aims to identify effective neuroprotectants that could be translated into clinical therapies. Advanced MRI techniques will be employed to monitor brain responses and predict potential motor deficits in affected fetuses. The goal is to develop new treatments that could prevent the onset of cerebral palsy in infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk of placental insufficiency or those who have experienced hypoxia-ischemia during pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose conditions do not involve hypoxia-ischemia will likely not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy in newborns.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroprotectants for similar conditions, but this specific approach with nNOS inhibitors is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Detroit, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.