Using chloride balance in brain cells to better control seizures in newborns
Timing of Neuronal Chloride Uptake for Control of Neonatal Seizure
Researchers aim to change how chloride enters brain cells to reduce seizures in newborn babies after low-oxygen brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248800 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's perspective, scientists are using newborn models of low-oxygen (hypoxic-ischemic) brain injury and special genetic imaging that shows chloride levels inside neurons. They will watch neurons with multiphoton microscopy while giving drugs that block the NKCC1 transporter or alter KCC2 activity to see whether cell swelling, chloride rise, and seizures are reduced. The team compares different times after injury to find the best window when treatment prevents recurrent seizures and long-term epilepsy. Findings are intended to point to when and how similar treatments might be given to babies who suffer oxygen-related brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The ideal candidates would be newborn infants (days to weeks old) who have experienced hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and are at high risk for early seizures.
Not a fit: Older children, adults, or infants whose seizures come from genetic or non-hypoxic causes are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify when and how to give therapies that prevent or reduce seizures and long-term epilepsy in newborns after hypoxic-ischemic injury.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches such as blocking NKCC1 with drugs like bumetanide have shown mixed results in prior work, so this project focuses on timing and mechanism to improve on past outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dzhala, Volodymyr — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dzhala, Volodymyr
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.