Research provides hope for millions of people living with asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and other lung diseases. Here are a few of the research initiatives the American Lung Association is funding right here in New Mexico for the 2011-2012 grant cycle.

Zhenxiong Zhang, MD, PhD
Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM
Biomedical Research Grant

Preventing Deadly Respiratory Problems Caused by Opioids in COPD Patients
Rapid shallow breathing (RSB), commonly occurs in patients with lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Compared to healthy people, Patients with RSB are more prone to suffer respiratory depression and respiratory failure when they are given opioid painkillers such as fentanyl. This life-threatening impact on breathing has markedly limited the use of these painkillers in patients with pulmonary disease such as COPD. To date, the reason for this predisposition to suffer respiratory problems induced by these painkillers is not clear. RSB is primarily generated by the stimulation of small nerve fibers in the lungs called pulmonary C-fibers (PCFs). PCFs can be stimulated when pulmonary inflammation, Congestion, infection, and accumulation of excessive fluid, or edema—characteristics of COPD—are present. The researchers have found that an intravenous injection of fentanyl switched RSB to a long-lasting breathing stoppage, or apnea, of up to five seconds in anesthetized rats. The researchers wish to understand how fentanyl makes this switch. The study may lead to discoveries that could be used to prevent and reduce the incidence of life-threatening respiratory depression by opioids, especially in patients with lung diseases.

Asthma Clinical Research Network The American Lung Association is proud to have created a network of centers focused directly on asthma and the care and progression of asthma patients. With 20 centers nationwide, including one at National Jewish in Denver, we are making an impact right in our own backyard!

DeSouza Research Award is made possible courtesy of a restricted bequest left by Mr. James L. DeSouza of Phoenix, Arizona. It focuses on tuberculosis and related lung disease research.




See the research that the Lung Association is funding on a national level.