How acute opioid use affects brain circuits related to reward and pain.
Electrophysiological Dynamics of Acute Opioid Use in Human Reward, Affect, and Pain Pathways
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11054911
This study is looking at how using opioids affects the brain's reward and pain systems in people with chronic pain who might be at risk for addiction, by directly measuring brain activity in awake patients with special electrodes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11054911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of acute opioid use on the brain's reward and pain pathways, particularly in patients with chronic pain who may be at risk for opioid use disorder. By directly recording neuronal signals from specific brain regions in awake individuals with implanted electrodes, the study aims to understand how opioid use alters neural connectivity. The focus is on areas of the brain that are crucial for processing reward, affect, and pain, providing insights into the relationship between opioid use and addiction. This approach combines advanced neuroimaging techniques with real-time data collection from human subjects to uncover dynamic changes in brain function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic pain who are using opioids and may be at risk for developing opioid use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pain or are not using opioids may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of opioid use and addiction, but this specific approach of direct neuronal recording in humans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RYU, JIHYE — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: RYU, JIHYE
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 below.
Conditions: addictive disorder