Effects of opioids on brain development in newborns and children
Official title: Lasting Neurological Effects of Perinatal Opioids
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10891637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to opioids during pregnancy might affect the brain and emotions of babies and kids, using mice to help understand what happens in their brains and how it could relate to anxiety and motivation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $718,566 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA054905-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and children who were exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to opioids during pregnancy or who are not within the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term neurological effects of opioid exposure during pregnancy on infants and children. By using a mouse model that mimics human gestation, the study examines how exposure to opioids like fentanyl affects brain circuitry and emotional behaviors. Researchers will analyze changes in specific brain regions associated with anxiety and motivation, aiming to understand the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental issues linked to perinatal opioid exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for children affected by opioid exposure in utero.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the effects of prenatal substance exposure can lead to significant advancements in treatment and support for affected children.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lobo, Mary Kay — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Lobo, Mary Kay
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.