Understanding how opioids affect breathing control in the brainstem
Official title: Brainstem mechanisms of opioid-induced respiratory depression
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11136359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how opioids can make it hard to breathe, which is really important because of the increase in overdoses, and it aims to learn more about how certain brain cells affect breathing during an overdose, with hopes of finding better ways to keep people safe when they use opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $483,469 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174547-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or are not at risk of respiratory depression from opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which opioids cause respiratory depression, a critical issue given the rising rates of opioid overdoses. By studying the brainstem's control of breathing, particularly focusing on mu opioid receptors, the research aims to uncover how certain neurons contribute to breathing failure during opioid overdose. The approach involves examining both opioid-sensitive and non-opioid-sensitive neurons in adult mice to understand their roles in respiratory function. This could lead to new insights into preventing respiratory failure in patients who use opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and interventions for preventing respiratory failure in patients using opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding opioid effects on respiratory control, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill existing knowledge gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levitt, Erica Sawyer — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Levitt, Erica Sawyer
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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.