Understanding how anesthetics affect brain communication
Pan-neuronal functional imaging and anesthesia
This study is looking at how certain anesthetics, like isoflurane, work in the brain to make you unconscious and forgetful during surgery, and it aims to find ways to make anesthesia safer and more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906134 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which volatile anesthetics, like isoflurane, induce general anesthesia, including unconsciousness and amnesia. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to explore how these anesthetics disrupt communication between neurons at a microscopic level. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between existing methods that either analyze molecular interactions or measure overall brain activity, providing a clearer understanding of anesthesia's effects on the brain. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to safer anesthesia practices and improved outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing surgical procedures that require general anesthesia, particularly infants and the elderly.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing anesthesia or those with conditions that preclude the use of anesthetics may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer anesthesia practices and minimize cognitive risks associated with anesthesia in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of investigating neuronal communication under anesthesia is innovative, previous research has shown varying degrees of success in understanding anesthetic mechanisms, indicating both novelty and potential for breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Connor, Christopher W — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Connor, Christopher W
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.