Serotonin Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
Serotonin Based Therapeutics in Cerebral Palsy
This project explores how targeting serotonin in the brain might help improve movement and reduce muscle stiffness in children with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142530 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cerebral palsy often causes muscle stiffness, weakness, and problems with movement. We know that nerve cells in the spinal cord can become overactive in cerebral palsy, especially in response to a brain chemical called serotonin. Our work in animal models suggests that blocking certain serotonin receptors could help calm these overactive nerve cells. By doing this at a key time during development, we hope to restore normal nerve and muscle function, potentially reducing weakness and stiffness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is currently in animal models, but future studies might seek children with spastic cerebral palsy, particularly those with early developmental issues.
Not a fit: Patients whose cerebral palsy is not related to serotonin pathway dysfunction or who are outside the critical developmental window for intervention may not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce muscle stiffness and improve motor function for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: This approach builds on preliminary data from preclinical models suggesting that blocking serotonin receptors can alleviate hypertonia, indicating a promising, yet still early, direction.
Where this research is happening
Kingston, United States
- University of Rhode Island — Kingston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann
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.