Effects of chronic alcohol on brain signaling related to addiction

Impact of chronic alcohol on neuronal cholinergic signaling

NIH-funded research Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-10667844

This study looks at how drinking alcohol over a long time changes brain signals related to a chemical called acetylcholine, which might help explain why some people keep wanting to drink, and it uses brain samples from monkeys that have a history of alcohol use to learn more about this issue.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLouisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Shreveport, United States)
Project IDNIH-10667844 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how long-term alcohol use affects the signaling of acetylcholine in the brain, which may contribute to alcohol use disorder (AUD). By studying brain tissues from rhesus macaques that have a history of alcohol consumption, the researchers aim to understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to persistent alcohol-seeking behaviors. The study involves refining techniques to measure acetylcholine release in specific brain regions associated with AUD. This could provide insights into how chronic alcohol use alters brain function and behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those who have experienced the effects of chronic alcohol consumption.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for alcohol use disorder by targeting the underlying brain signaling pathways affected by alcohol.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding neurotransmitter signaling can lead to breakthroughs in treating addiction, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Shreveport, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.