How adolescent alcohol use affects pain processing in the brain
Official title: Parvalbumin Interneuron Regulation of a Prelimbic to Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray Pathway for Modulating Pain Following Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10948941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol during the teenage years affects brain development and how we feel pain, focusing on a part of the brain that helps us process these feelings, and it's designed for young people and adults who want to understand the long-term effects of alcohol on their bodies and minds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,551 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AA031717-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who have experienced alcohol misuse during their teenage years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not engaged in alcohol use during adolescence or who are not experiencing pain or anxiety may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of adolescent alcohol misuse on brain development and pain sensitivity. It focuses on a specific brain circuit involving the amygdala and other regions that are crucial for processing pain. By examining how parvalbumin interneurons regulate this circuit, the study aims to understand the long-term effects of alcohol exposure during adolescence on pain perception and anxiety. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze brain activity and its relationship with pain responses in both adolescents and adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for pain management and anxiety in individuals with a history of adolescent alcohol use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding brain circuits involved in pain processing can lead to significant advancements in treatment approaches, indicating that this study builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Obray, James Daniel — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Obray, James Daniel
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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.