Effects of prenatal alcohol and methadone on brain development

Impact of prenatal alcohol and methadone exposure on dopamine regulation of BLA plasticity

['FUNDING_R21'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NY,BINGHAMTON · NIH-10753305

This study is looking at how being exposed to alcohol and methadone during pregnancy might affect the brain development of babies, especially in how they handle emotions, and it aims to find out if boys and girls are impacted differently.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NY,BINGHAMTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BINGHAMTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10753305 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to alcohol and methadone during pregnancy affects the brain development of offspring, particularly focusing on the dopamine system and its role in emotional regulation. The study aims to understand the combined impact of these substances on the basolateral amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions. By examining male and female responses separately, the research seeks to uncover potential differences in how these exposures affect anxiety and emotional processing. Participants may contribute to understanding the neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal substance exposure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include male adolescents and adults who have been exposed to alcohol and/or methadone during pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to prenatal alcohol or methadone are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and support for children affected by prenatal substance exposure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on neurodevelopment, but the combined effects with methadone are less understood, making this a novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

BINGHAMTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.