How adolescent nicotine exposure affects methamphetamine use in female rats
Official title: Impact of adolescent nicotine exposure on methamphetamine self-administration in female rats
Funded at California State Univ San Bernardino · NIH-11085149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being exposed to nicotine as a teenager might make female rats more likely to use methamphetamine later on, helping us understand the connection between early nicotine use and addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Univ San Bernardino NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Bernardino, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $147,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149450-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who have been exposed to nicotine and are at risk for substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to nicotine or are not in the adolescent age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of nicotine exposure during adolescence on the later use of methamphetamine in female rats. The study aims to understand how early nicotine exposure may increase sensitivity to methamphetamine, potentially due to neuroinflammation. Using a method where rats self-administer methamphetamine, researchers will explore differences in drug intake between male and female rats. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind addiction and the role of inflammation in this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for addiction in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that adolescent nicotine exposure can influence later drug use, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
California State Univ San Bernardino
San Bernardino, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crawford, Cynthia a. — California State Univ San Bernardino
- Study coordinator: Crawford, Cynthia a.
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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.