Brain pathways that drive alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Role of RMTg afferents in mechanisms of withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11331270
Looks at whether specific brain connections cause withdrawal symptoms in people who stop heavy drinking.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11331270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your point of view, scientists are studying brain circuits that may make withdrawal worse after long-term heavy drinking. They use lab models that mimic chronic alcohol exposure and early abstinence and apply techniques that can selectively turn specific nerve pathways on or off. The team focuses on connections between two brain regions (the lateral habenula and the RMTg) that were more active during withdrawal in earlier experiments. Results are meant to point toward biological targets that could be tested in future treatments for withdrawal symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not recruit people; the research is done in lab animals modeling alcohol withdrawal rather than in human volunteers.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical help for withdrawal or those whose problems are not related to alcohol dependence are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify brain targets for new medications or therapies to reduce withdrawal-related anxiety and help people stay sober.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work, including the investigators' own studies, found that inhibiting the RMTg reduced withdrawal-related anxiety, but translating these findings into human treatments remains untested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GLOVER, ELIZABETH J — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: GLOVER, ELIZABETH 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.