Understanding how pregnancy affects temperature regulation in the brain
The neural control of thermoregulatory changes accompanying pregnancy
This study looks at how pregnancy affects the brain's temperature control and how this differs between male and female brains, using newborn mice to learn more about the role of certain brain cells and genes, which could help us understand health issues related to pregnancy for both moms and babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11030232 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how pregnancy influences the brain's ability to regulate body temperature, focusing on the differences between male and female brains. It explores the role of estrogen receptor neurons and how their development is affected by epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation. By studying newborn mice, the research aims to uncover the biological processes that contribute to sex differences in neurological and developmental disorders. This could provide insights into how these differences impact health during and after pregnancy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those interested in understanding the neurological impacts of pregnancy on body temperature regulation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a history of neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of neurological disorders that disproportionately affect one sex over the other.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding sex differences in brain development can lead to significant advancements in treating neurological disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cortes, Laura — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Cortes, Laura
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.