Understanding how the nervous system controls blood flow in the eye
Neural Control of Choroidal Function
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 ID | NIH-11077847 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Birmingham, United States
- 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
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.