Understanding how brain cells help patients wake up from anesthesia
Official title: The role of astrocytes in emergence from volatile anesthetics
Funded at Northumbria University · NIH-11017852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes help people wake up after surgery when they've been given anesthesia, and it aims to find ways to make recovery from anesthesia even better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northumbria University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $230,364 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM144368-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are scheduled to undergo surgical procedures requiring volatile anesthetics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those who do not require anesthesia will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in how patients recover from volatile anesthetics used during surgery. By studying these cells in controlled laboratory settings and using mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow patients to regain consciousness after anesthesia. They will specifically look at how astrocytes communicate with neurons and support their function during the emergence from anesthesia. This could lead to a better understanding of anesthesia effects on the brain and improve recovery protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance recovery processes for patients undergoing anesthesia, potentially leading to quicker and safer awakenings.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on astrocytes in this context is novel, previous research has shown that understanding cellular mechanisms in anesthesia can lead to significant advancements in patient care.
Where this research is happening
-
Northumbria University
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Simon C — Northumbria University
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Simon C
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.