Understanding how the nervous system controls blood flow in the eye
Official title: Neural Control of Choroidal Function
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11077847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the nervous system helps control blood flow to an important part of the eye, which is key for good vision, and it's aimed at understanding this better to help prevent eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $486,122 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035313-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye conditions unrelated to choroidal blood flow or those who do not have age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in regulating blood flow to the choroid, a critical part of the eye that supports high-acuity vision. By studying non-human primates, the researchers aim to identify the specific neural circuits that control choroidal blood flow, which is essential for preventing eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration. The approach includes advanced techniques such as neuroanatomical mapping and electrophysiological assessments to uncover how these circuits function. This knowledge could lead to new insights into treating conditions that compromise vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for eye diseases that affect vision, particularly age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific neural circuits controlling choroidal blood flow are not well understood, similar research has shown promise in understanding vascular regulation in other parts of the body.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gamlin, Paul Douglas — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Gamlin, Paul Douglas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
-
Global bromocriptine trial for postpartum cardiomyopathy
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment helps new mothers with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
-
Global Bromocriptine Add-on for Postpartum Heart Failure (GLOBal PPCM)
A large international study will test whether adding the dopamine agonist bromocriptine to standard heart failure care helps postpartum women with a specific heart condition.
-
Global Bromocriptine Trial for Postpartum Heart Failure (GLOBal PPCM)
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart-failure care helps women with postpartum cardiomyopathy.
-
Bromocriptine as add-on therapy for postpartum cardiomyopathy across multiple sites
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment helps new mothers with postpartum cardiomyopathy.
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.