Effects of chronic alcohol on brain signaling related to addiction
Official title: Impact of chronic alcohol on neuronal cholinergic signaling
Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-10667844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $146,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AA030400-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10667844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
Shreveport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salinas, Armando — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Salinas, Armando
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.