Effects of cocaine use on brain cells called astrocytes
Official title: Functional consequences of cocaine self-administration on astrocytes
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11046684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using cocaine affects certain brain cells in male rats, helping us learn more about how addiction works and what happens to the brain when someone stops using the drug.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $341,420 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a history of cocaine use or addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used cocaine or have other forms of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how self-administration of cocaine affects astrocytes, which are important brain cells that help regulate neural circuits. By studying male rats, the researchers aim to understand the changes in astrocyte structure and function after prolonged cocaine use and subsequent abstinence. The project will measure calcium responses in these cells to determine how cocaine impacts their ability to communicate and function properly. This research could provide insights into the biological mechanisms behind drug addiction and cravings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for drug addiction by targeting astrocyte dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that targeting brain cell dysfunction can lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating addiction, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reissner, Kathryn Joanna — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Reissner, Kathryn Joanna
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.