How astrocytes influence cocaine use through ion channels
Official title: Regulation of cocaine use by astrocyte voltage-gated channels
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11059984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of brain cell, called astrocytes, changes when someone uses cocaine, and it aims to find out how these changes might help us understand and treat cocaine addiction better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $221,887 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA060354-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine use or addiction, particularly those interested in understanding the biological mechanisms behind their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cocaine or are not affected by substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in regulating cocaine use by examining how cocaine affects the signaling mechanisms within these cells. The study focuses on the changes in astrocyte voltage-gated potassium channels and their impact on neuronal signaling after cocaine exposure. By using a rat model of self-administration, the researchers aim to understand how alterations in astrocyte function contribute to cocaine addiction. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cocaine addiction by targeting astrocyte signaling pathways.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on astrocyte voltage-gated channels in cocaine use is novel, previous research has shown that targeting glial cells can influence addiction outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortinski, Pavel Ivanovich — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Ortinski, Pavel Ivanovich
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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.