Exploring how opioid signaling affects alcohol dependence in the brain.
Official title: Investigation of non-canonical opioid signaling in the prefrontal cortex of alcohol-dependent rats
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10936536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol affects certain brain signals in rats that are dependent on alcohol, to help us understand how these signals might influence thinking and behavior related to drinking, which could lead to better treatments for people struggling with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,813 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030862-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with alcohol dependence who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches targeting opioid signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol dependence or those who are not responsive to opioid-based treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of non-canonical opioid signaling in the prefrontal cortex of rats that are dependent on alcohol. By examining how alcohol consumption influences the release of endogenous opioids and their interaction with opioid receptors, the study aims to understand the relationship between these signaling pathways and cognitive functions related to alcohol use disorder. The approach includes manipulating opioid receptor signaling to observe changes in alcohol consumption behavior, which may provide insights into improving treatment adherence for individuals with alcohol dependence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder, enhancing long-term abstinence and reducing relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of opioid signaling in addiction, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Natividad, Luis Alberto — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Natividad, Luis Alberto
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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.