NIH-funded research R21 grant

Using cooling techniques to protect the spleen during ischemic stroke

Official title: Neuroprotection of Remotely Administered Hypothermia on Spleen in Ischemic Stroke

Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10809221 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to help protect the brain during a stroke by cooling the spleen from a distance, which might help reduce inflammation and improve recovery for stroke patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project startSeptember 25, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$423,500
NIH project number1R21NS132006-01A1
Project IDNIH-10809221 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an ischemic stroke and are within the acute phase of treatment.

Less likely to help

Patients who have had hemorrhagic strokes or those with chronic conditions that prevent participation in acute interventions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to protect the brain during ischemic stroke by remotely inducing hypothermia in the spleen. The goal is to reduce inflammation caused by stroke, which can worsen brain damage. By cooling the spleen, the researchers aim to suppress harmful inflammatory responses that occur after a stroke, potentially improving recovery outcomes. The study builds on previous findings that link spleen function and brain recovery in stroke patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery for stroke patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using hypothermia for neuroprotection, indicating that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

  • Wayne State University
    Detroit, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ding, Yuchuan — Wayne State University
  • Study coordinator: Ding, Yuchuan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs

    Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.

    NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11606640

  • EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke

    Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.

    NIH research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · Memphis, United States · NIH-11548335

  • Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke

    This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.

    NIH research Baltimore VA Medical Center · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11510007

  • Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke

    A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.

    NIH research Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11504265

  • How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke

    This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11470695

  • Repurposing NEXLETOL to treat ischemic stroke

    Aims to see if the cholesterol drug NEXLETOL can help people after an ischemic stroke by supporting brain energy use and reducing injury.

    NIH research Tulane University of Louisiana · New Orleans, United States · NIH-11468414

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.