Using cell transplants and exercise to improve heart function after spinal cord injury
Combining Serotonergic Neural Progenitor Transplantation and Exercise to Improve Cardiac Disorders and Autonomic Dysreflexia After Spinal Cord Injury
This study is looking at whether putting special nerve cells into the spinal cord, along with exercise, can help improve heart function and blood pressure for people with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11042177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how transplanting serotonergic neural progenitor cells into the spinal cord, combined with exercise, can improve heart function and regulate blood pressure in patients with spinal cord injuries. The study aims to restore sympathetic nervous system control over cardiac activity, which is often disrupted after such injuries. By integrating these transplanted cells with the existing spinal cord circuitry and promoting recovery through exercise, the researchers hope to enhance overall cardiovascular health and reduce complications like autonomic dysreflexia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced high-level spinal cord injuries and are experiencing cardiac disorders or autonomic dysreflexia.
Not a fit: Patients with low-level spinal cord injuries or those without significant cardiac dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart function and better management of blood pressure for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using cell transplants and exercise to enhance recovery in similar contexts, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hou, Shaoping — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Hou, Shaoping
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.