Understanding how mustard gas affects the retina using minipigs
Official title: Mechanistic Understanding of Mustard Gas Toxicity in the Retina using a Minipig Model
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10882080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to mustard gas can harm the eyes, specifically the retina, using minipigs to help us understand what might happen to people, and it aims to uncover both the short-term and long-term effects on vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $482,242 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EY035223-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10882080 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced ocular injuries related to chemical exposure, particularly from mustard gas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ocular injuries not related to chemical exposure or those with pre-existing retinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the toxic effects of sulfur mustard gas on the retina, utilizing a minipig model to closely mimic human ocular responses. The study aims to explore both the immediate and long-term impacts of mustard gas exposure on retinal function, including potential damage to retinal cells and the underlying mechanisms of toxicity. By employing advanced techniques such as electroretinography and cell culture assays, researchers will assess the extent of retinal injury and the biological processes involved. This comprehensive approach seeks to fill the knowledge gap regarding mustard gas toxicity in the eye, which has significant implications for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from ocular injuries caused by mustard gas exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on mustard gas toxicity, similar studies on chemical-induced ocular injuries have shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of damage.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaurasia, Shyam Sunder — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Chaurasia, Shyam Sunder
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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.