Understanding why post-stroke depression happens in older mice
Official title: Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms of Post-Stroke Depression in Aged Mice
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11357595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in aged mice investigates how stroke can lead to depression and what biological changes drive it, with a focus on the roles of oxytocin and taurine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $741,151 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG088518-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are older adults who have had a stroke and are at risk for or experiencing post-stroke depression, if translated to human studies.
✕Less likely to help
If the underlying mechanisms differ in humans or effective interventions are not found, patients may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to uncover the brain mechanisms that cause depression after a stroke in older animals. Researchers will induce ischemic stroke in aged mice and examine changes in immune signals, microglial activity, and neurogenesis that are linked to mood and recovery. They will test how taurine and oxytocin interact to influence inflammation and social behavior, hoping to identify targets for preventing PSD after stroke. The work combines behavioral assessments with molecular analyses to build a clearer picture of why PSD occurs and how aging affects it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat post-stroke depression in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests immune changes and neuroinflammation contribute to PSD, but translating findings from mice to humans remains challenging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venna, Venugopal Reddy — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Venna, Venugopal Reddy
Related research
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Understanding Depression After Stroke
This project explores how depression develops after a stroke, especially in older individuals, by looking at brain changes and potential protective factors.
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Preventing depression in older stroke survivors through behavioral activation
This study is testing a friendly online program designed to help older adults who have had a stroke stay active and engaged in enjoyable activities to prevent feelings of depression, especially for those who may be struggling financially.
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Understanding how stroke affects depression in older mice
This study is looking at how a stroke can lead to depression in older mice, focusing on how the body's immune response and inflammation play a role, and it hopes to find ways to use natural substances like oxytocin and taurine to help improve mood and recovery for people who have had a stroke.
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Using exercise and brain stimulation to help people with depression after a stroke
This study is looking at whether doing aerobic exercise along with a special treatment called rTMS can help people who are feeling depressed after a stroke feel better and recover more effectively.
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.