Understanding How Early Life Injuries Affect Pain Networks
Synaptic Function within Mature Central Pain Networks after Neonatal Injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · NIH-11227891
This project looks at how injuries experienced by infants in the NICU might change their developing nervous system, potentially leading to long-lasting pain issues as adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11227891 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how injuries in early life, such as those experienced by infants in the NICU, can lead to chronic pain later on. We know that early injuries can change how nerve connections in the spinal cord are organized and how the immune system responds. This project focuses on special brain cells called astrocytes, which are thought to play a key role in these changes. We want to find out if these early injuries alter how astrocytes develop and function, and if these changes are responsible for the long-term effects on pain pathways. By studying these processes, we hope to uncover how early experiences shape the body's pain response throughout life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future studies stemming from this work could benefit individuals who experienced tissue damage as infants and now live with chronic pain.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced neonatal tissue injury are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat chronic pain in adults who experienced injuries as infants.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that neonatal injury can reorganize synaptic circuits and enhance neuroimmune signaling, suggesting a basis for this research, but the specific role of astrocytes in this process is largely unknown.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BACCEI, MARK L — UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- Study coordinator: BACCEI, MARK L
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.