Effects of fentanyl on brain changes related to addiction and stress
Official title: Impact of fentanyl consumption on noradrenergic plasticity in the basolateral amygdala
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11137414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fentanyl affects the brain and can lead to anxiety and stress when someone stops using it, with the hope of finding better ways to help people dealing with opioid addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career 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, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $184,706 |
| NIH project number | 1K01DA061050-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing opioid use disorder or those undergoing opioid withdrawal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently using opioids or do not have a history of opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, affects brain circuits involved in addiction and stress responses. By focusing on the basolateral amygdala, a brain region critical for processing negative emotions and memories, the study aims to understand how opioid withdrawal alters noradrenergic signaling and contributes to anxiety and stress-related behaviors. The approach includes examining the activity of specific neurons in response to opioid use and withdrawal, which may reveal new insights into the mechanisms of opioid use disorder. This research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with opioid use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on opioid addiction, the specific focus on noradrenergic plasticity in the context of fentanyl use is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Downs, Anthony M — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Downs, Anthony M
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.