Understanding how ammonia causes eye injuries
Official title: Neural mechanism underlying corneal injuries by ammonia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10944999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ammonia can hurt the eye and slow down healing after corneal injuries, using mice to help us understand the damage it causes and how it affects pain and recovery, which could help improve treatments for people with similar eye injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $713,311 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036481-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10944999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced chemical burns to the eye, particularly from ammonia exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye injuries caused by non-chemical means or those with pre-existing conditions unrelated to ammonia exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of ammonia on corneal injuries, which can lead to severe pain and blindness. The study will explore how ammonia damages corneal sensory fibers and impairs wound healing in the eye. Using mouse models, researchers will analyze the relationship between nerve degeneration and delayed healing, as well as the mechanisms by which ammonia activates sensory fibers. The findings aim to enhance our understanding of chemical injuries to the eye and their long-term consequences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for corneal injuries caused by ammonia and potentially reduce the risk of blindness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of nerve damage and healing in the eye can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Andrew J.w. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Huang, Andrew J.w.
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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.