Understanding how brain activity affects fluid movement in the brain
Official title: Experimentally-validated model of glymphatic disruption due to spreading depolarization
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10953163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain event, like a stroke, affects the brain's waste-clearing system, which could help find better treatments for people dealing with these serious conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $367,261 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB036217-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced acute neurological events such as strokes or cardiac arrests.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic neurological conditions unrelated to acute events may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of spreading depolarization, a phenomenon that occurs after acute neurological events like stroke and cardiac arrest, on the glymphatic system, which is responsible for clearing waste from the brain. By developing a numerical simulation, the researchers aim to understand how changes in ion concentrations and brain cell swelling influence the flow of cerebrospinal fluid into the brain. This could help clarify the mechanisms behind brain edema and potentially lead to new treatment strategies for patients experiencing these acute conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from strokes and cardiac arrest by enhancing our understanding of brain fluid dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, related studies have shown that understanding brain fluid dynamics can lead to significant advancements in treating acute neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tithof, Jeffrey — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Tithof, Jeffrey
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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.