Understanding blood vessel changes in pregnancy-related high blood pressure
Official title: Vascular Mechanisms of Hypertension-in-Pregnancy
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10481866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high blood pressure during pregnancy, especially in cases of preeclampsia, affects the growth of babies, using pregnant rats to learn more about how blood vessels work and what might help improve this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $722,697 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL147889-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10481866 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals experiencing hypertension or at risk for preeclampsia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without hypertension-related complications during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind hypertension during pregnancy, specifically focusing on preeclampsia and its effects on fetal growth. By studying pregnant rats, the researchers aim to identify how changes in blood vessel function and certain enzymes contribute to high blood pressure and restricted fetal growth. The study looks at the balance of various proteins that affect blood vessel relaxation and constriction, which could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for hypertension in pregnancy, potentially reducing risks for both mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular changes in pregnancy, but this specific approach is novel and aims to uncover new mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khalil, Raouf a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Khalil, Raouf a
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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.