Understanding how anesthesia and sleep create different unconscious states in the brain
Official title: Anesthesia and Sleep: Mechanisms of Generating Two Similar Yet Distinct Unconscious States in the Medulla
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10899466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells work differently during anesthesia compared to natural sleep, helping us understand what makes these two states unique, and it's for anyone curious about how our brains manage sleep and anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $406,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151166-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing anesthesia for surgical procedures or those experiencing sleep-related issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or do not have sleep disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that differentiate between the unconscious states induced by anesthesia and natural sleep. By focusing on specific neurons in the brain's medulla, particularly those in the parafacial zone, the study aims to uncover how these neurons contribute to the distinct characteristics of anesthesia and sleep. The approach includes examining the activity of GABAergic neurons during anesthesia and their role in regulating sleep, with the goal of identifying overlapping and unique neural circuits involved in these states.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved anesthesia techniques and better management of sleep disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural circuits involved in sleep and anesthesia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Imamura, Toshihiro — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Imamura, Toshihiro
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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.