Understanding Anesthetics' Effects on Children's Brain Development
Mitochondria and anesthetic-induced developmental neurotoxicity
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-11117186
This research explores how common anesthetics might affect brain development in young children by looking closely at tiny cell parts called mitochondria.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11117186 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Millions of children undergo surgery requiring general anesthetics, and there are concerns these drugs might cause brain injury and long-term learning or behavior issues. This project aims to understand how anesthetics might harm developing brains, especially focusing on mitochondria, which are the energy powerhouses within brain cells. Researchers will investigate how anesthetics damage these mitochondria and how that damage might lead to problems with brain cell communication and survival. The ultimate goal is to discover ways to protect young brains from potential harm caused by necessary anesthetic exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding anesthetic effects in children aged 0-11 years, rather than direct patient participation.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing general anesthesia or those outside the pediatric age range of 0-11 years would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to protect children's brains from potential harm during necessary surgical procedures involving anesthesia.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies by this team have shown that anesthetics are toxic to mitochondria in developing mouse and human brain cells, building on existing evidence from human and animal studies.
Where this research is happening
MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES
- MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN — MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BAI, XIAOWEN — MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- Study coordinator: BAI, XIAOWEN
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.