Understanding how opioids affect throat muscle responses to prevent choking
Central and Peripheral Regulation of Laryngeal Adduction
This study is looking at how using opioids might affect the way your throat muscles work to protect your airways, which could help prevent pneumonia, especially for people who take these medications.
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-11090418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how opioid use can lead to aspiration, increasing the risk of pneumonia, particularly focusing on the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR), which protects the airways. The study aims to identify the neural pathways involved in this reflex and how opioids may alter their function. By examining the interactions between specific neurons in the brain that control throat muscle movements, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could improve airway protection in patients using opioids. The approach includes both experimental and computational modeling to analyze these neural circuits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are prescribed opioids and are at risk of aspiration due to their medication.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or have no risk of aspiration pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing aspiration pneumonia in patients who use opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding neural pathways can lead to significant advancements in treating conditions related to airway protection, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bolser, Donald C — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Bolser, Donald C
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.