Brain circuits that control active and passive coping with stress
Neural circuits and mechanisms underlying active and passive stress coping
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11258915
This research looks at how specific brain pathways make animals use active or passive ways of handling stress, with the aim of helping people who suffer from chronic stress or stress-related mental health problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses rat models to map brain pathways that drive active versus passive coping behaviors. Researchers will use targeted tools such as optogenetics to turn on or off prelimbic cortex connections to parts of the periaqueductal gray and then measure behavior, stress hormones, and autonomic responses. Animals exposed to chronic stress will be compared with unstressed animals to see how these pathways change and bias coping choices. The goal is to identify circuit-level changes that could explain why chronic stress leads to exaggerated physiological and behavioral stress responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: No human participants are enrolled in this animal-based project, but the results could eventually help adults with chronic stress, depression, or anxiety become candidates for new treatments.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical care or those without stress-related conditions would not directly benefit from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify brain targets for therapies that restore active coping and reduce the harmful physical and mental effects of chronic stress.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal circuit studies have shown that manipulating prelimbic and PAG pathways can change coping behavior, and this project builds on that by focusing on how chronic stress alters those pathways.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RADLEY, JASON J — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: RADLEY, JASON J
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.