How brain circuits change when fentanyl and methamphetamine are used together
Assessing the role of corticostriatal circuitry in polysubstance use of fentanyl and methamphetamine using rat self-administration models
This work looks at how using fentanyl and methamphetamine together changes brain circuits that drive addictive behavior, aiming to help people who use these drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321266 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use rat models where animals self-administer fentanyl, methamphetamine, both at the same time, or one after the other to mimic human use patterns. They will record activity from corticostriatal brain circuits during drug use using fiber photometry, test neuronal function in brain slices, and selectively change cell activity with chemogenetics. By comparing single-drug and polysubstance groups, the team will determine whether combined use creates unique or additive brain changes linked to addiction behaviors. The goal is to identify circuit targets that could inform future treatments for people who co-use these drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who currently use both opioids (like fentanyl or heroin) and stimulants (like methamphetamine), whether together at the same time or on separate occasions, would be the most relevant group for the implications of this research.
Not a fit: People whose substance use involves only alcohol, marijuana, or other non-opioid/stimulant drugs, or who are not users, are less likely to see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to brain circuit targets that lead to new or more effective treatments for people who use fentanyl and methamphetamine together.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have mapped corticostriatal changes with single drugs, but combining fentanyl and methamphetamine in the same models is less explored and is therefore relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Susan Marie — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Susan Marie
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.