Understanding how brain changes affect asthma attacks
Central Nervous System Plasticity in Airway Disease
This study is looking at how anxiety might affect asthma attacks by examining a part of the brain called the amygdala, and it's for people with asthma who also experience anxiety, aiming to find new ways to help lessen asthma symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10991359 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between anxiety and asthma attacks by focusing on the amygdala, a brain region involved in anxiety regulation. The study aims to understand how changes in the amygdala may contribute to asthma exacerbations, particularly in patients with anxiety. Using advanced techniques like optogenetics, researchers will explore how activating specific brain pathways can influence airway resistance in asthmatic models. The goal is to identify new treatment approaches that could help reduce the severity of asthma attacks and improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with asthma who also experience anxiety or anxiety-related disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with asthma who do not have any anxiety disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that reduce asthma attacks and improve the quality of life for patients with asthma and anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting the amygdala in asthma treatment is novel, there is emerging evidence that links anxiety management to improved asthma outcomes in other studies.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reznikov, Leah R — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Reznikov, Leah R
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.