Understanding how water and chloride move in neurons during seizures

Water and chloride movement in neurons during seizure activity

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-10864057

This study is looking at how water and certain chemicals move in the brain cells of newborns who have seizures due to a lack of oxygen, with the goal of finding new ways to help prevent brain damage and improve their recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10864057 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the movement of water and chloride ions in neurons during seizure activity, particularly in newborns suffering from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cytotoxic edema, a condition where neurons swell due to the accumulation of water and ions, which can lead to severe long-term complications. By identifying the pathways of water movement in neurons, the research seeks to pave the way for new treatments that could prevent neuronal cell death and improve outcomes for infants experiencing seizures. The approach involves examining various cellular mechanisms that contribute to edema during the critical neonatal period.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and experiencing seizures.

Not a fit: Patients who are older children or adults with seizure disorders unrelated to neonatal conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for cytotoxic edema, significantly improving the prognosis for newborns with seizures.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of water movement in neonatal neurons are not well-studied, similar research in other contexts has shown promise in understanding cellular responses to injury.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.