Understanding pain in cerebral palsy using a rabbit model
Official title: Validation of Prenatal Rabbit Hypoxia Ischemia as a Model of Cerebral Palsy-induced Pain
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-10813313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic pain is connected to cerebral palsy by using rabbits that have similar challenges, hoping to find better ways to help people with CP manage their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,727,001 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS135580-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10813313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy who experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between cerebral palsy (CP) and chronic pain by validating a rabbit model that mimics the condition. The study focuses on New Zealand White rabbits that experience both motor dysfunction and heightened pain sensitivity due to prenatal hypoxia. By examining these rabbits, researchers aim to identify the underlying mechanisms of pain associated with CP, which can be both nociplastic and neuropathic. This approach allows for a better understanding of pain management strategies for individuals with CP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: While research on pain in cerebral palsy is limited, the use of animal models to study chronic pain has shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann
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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.