Understanding how brain mechanisms affect breathing in people with high blood pressure

Enhanced central chemoreception contributes to breathing problems in hypertension

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS · NIH-10997026

This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain helps control breathing when carbon dioxide levels change, especially in people with high blood pressure who might have trouble breathing steadily, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve both breathing and blood pressure.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STORRS-MANSFIELD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10997026 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain regulates breathing in response to carbon dioxide levels, particularly focusing on a brain region called the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). It aims to understand why individuals with high blood pressure may experience unstable breathing patterns. By studying both brain cells and blood vessels in animal models, the researchers will explore potential treatments that could improve breathing and blood pressure control. The findings could lead to new therapeutic targets for managing breathing issues associated with hypertension.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hypertension who experience breathing abnormalities.

Not a fit: Patients without hypertension or those who do not experience breathing issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for breathing problems in patients with hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting brain mechanisms can improve breathing in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

STORRS-MANSFIELD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.