Changes in brain glutamate receptors that make meth cravings grow over time
Glutamate receptor plasticity underlying incubation of methamphetamine craving
Researchers are looking at how changes in specific brain glutamate receptors may cause stronger methamphetamine cravings after stopping use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303316 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's point of view, scientists use a lab model where animals that self-administer meth show cue-triggered cravings that get stronger during abstinence. They measure and manipulate a type of glutamate receptor (calcium-permeable AMPA receptors) in reward-related brain regions including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and thalamus. The team is also comparing two main neuron types (D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons) to see which cells and input pathways drive the increased craving. By blocking or removing these receptors in animals, they test whether those changes reduce the expression of intensified cravings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of methamphetamine use who have experienced persistent cue-induced cravings or relapse after periods of abstinence would be the ideal candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People who do not have methamphetamine use disorder or whose relapse is driven mainly by social or non-neural factors may not benefit directly from treatments aimed at these brain receptors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets in the brain for treatments that reduce long-term meth cravings and lower relapse risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that blocking these calcium-permeable AMPA receptors can reduce incubation of meth craving, though translating those findings into human treatments has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolf, Marina Elizabeth — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Wolf, Marina Elizabeth
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.