How alcohol changes certain nerve cells in the front part of the brain
Alcohol and Interneurons in the Prefrontal Cortex
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11381937
This work looks at how alcohol changes specific brain cells in the prefrontal cortex that help control decision-making and could affect drinking behavior.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11381937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models to watch how alcohol changes activity of different inhibitory brain cells (interneurons) and the main output cells (pyramidal neurons) in the prefrontal cortex. They will image these cells in living brain tissue using two-photon microscopy and a fluorescent calcium sensor (GCaMP) to see cell activity in real time after alcohol exposure. The team will compare responses of three interneuron types (SST+, PV+, and VIP+) and test whether dopamine signals from another brain region (the VTA) drive those changes. Understanding which cell types are most sensitive could explain how alcohol disrupts control over behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who drink heavily or who have alcohol use disorder are the population most likely to benefit from findings like these.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to alcohol or those seeking immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct benefit from this lab-based mouse research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific brain-cell targets for new treatments that reduce harmful drinking and relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown alcohol can boost pyramidal neuron activity and inhibit some interneurons, but mapping PV+ and VIP+ responses in vivo with two-photon imaging is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARRISON, NEIL L. — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: HARRISON, NEIL L.
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.