Using serotonin treatments to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy
Serotonin Based Therapeutics in Cerebral Palsy
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called serotonin impacts movement in children with spastic cerebral palsy, and it aims to find new ways to help improve their muscle function and mobility by blocking certain serotonin signals during a key growth period.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10900684 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how serotonin affects motor function in children with cerebral palsy, particularly focusing on spastic cerebral palsy, which causes muscle stiffness and weakness. The study aims to block serotonin receptors during a critical developmental period to restore normal motor neuron activity and improve muscle function. By using a larger animal model, researchers will explore the effects of these treatments on motor unit function and overall mobility. The goal is to identify new therapeutic approaches that could alleviate symptoms associated with cerebral palsy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, particularly those experiencing muscle stiffness and weakness.
Not a fit: Patients with non-spastic forms of cerebral palsy or those whose condition is not primarily related to serotonin activity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve motor function and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using serotonin modulation to improve motor function in animal models, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Kingston, United States
- University of Rhode Island — Kingston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Quinlan, Katharina Ann
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.