Laboratory of Swallow and Airway Protection @ Mizzou
Current Grants & Projects
NIH R01 NS110169
Pitts (PI) Howland (Co-I)
2018-2023
Regulation of swallow and the effects of high cervical spinal cord injury
The long-term goal is to provide pre-clinical information on use of serotonin mediators in the treatment of dysphagia following cervical spinal cord injury
NIH R01 HL155721-
Bolser & Morris (MPI)
Pitts (Co-I)
2020-2024
Influence of opioids on the brainstem respiratory network
The long-term goal is the understand the central regulation of the breathing, alterations with opioids, and creation of a predictive computational model.
NIH R01 HL163008
Bolser, Morris & Pitts (MPI)
2022-2026
Central and peripheral regulation of laryngeal adduction
The long-term goal is the understand the central regulation of the laryngeal adductor reflex, alterations in the reflex with opioids, and creation of a predictive computational model.
NIH R21 HD110951
Pitts & Mellen (MPI)
2023-2025
Delineating impacts of gestational opioid exposure on central swallow networks
Completed
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation CNF546714
2018-2020-Pitts (PI)
Regulation of airway protective reflexes with serotonin agonists
The long-term goal of this project is to understand the mechanisms of upper airway dysfunction after cervical spinal cord injury and to test a FDA approved 5HT1a agonist for treatment efficacy.
R01 HL 131716
2016-2020 -Bolser & Morris (MPI; Pitts, Co-I)
Modeling the role of the NTS in the neurogenesis of airway defensive behaviors
The long-term goal of this project is to develop a data-driven computational model of the brainstem network controlling breathing and cough since both behaviors share common downstream neural elements.
OT2 TR 001983 & 023854
2016-2020- Bolser (PI; Pitts, Co-I)
Functional mapping of peripheral and central circuits for airway protection and breathing
This is part of the NIH SPARC program, and the long-term goal is to understand fundamental principles of modulation and plasticity in afferent pathways, brain networks and efferent systems controlling breathing and airway defense.
K99/R00 HL 111215
2013-2018 -Pitts (PI)
Regulation of airway protective behaviors
The long-term goal of this project is to determine the role of tracheal and pharyngeal sensory feedback in the regulation of cough and swallow.
R21 HD 090752
2016-2018 -Smith, BK (PI; Pitts, Consultant)
Diaphragm pacing and rehabilitation in Pompe disease
The overall goal of this project was to conduct the first systematic evaluation of the impact of diaphragm pacing on the timing, synchrony, and activation of phrenic motor units in Pompe disease.
ASHF New Investigators Research Grant
2016-2017 -King (PI; Pitts, Mentor)
Characterization of radiation induced pharyngeal mucosa fibroses after head and neck cancer
UF Opportunity Fund
2013-2014 -Bolser (PI; Pitts, Co-I)
An External Device for Rehabilitation of Airway Protective Behaviors
The long-term goal of this project was to develop a portable electrical simulation device for treatment of dysphagia.