How brain immune signals and support cells may drive heavy drinking
9/11 Neuroimmunophysiology of excessive alcohol intake
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11295381
Looks at whether immune signals and brain support cells change reward circuits in people who drink heavily or have alcohol dependence.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use mouse models of chronic heavy drinking and brain slice recordings to study how immune molecules like interleukin-33 (IL‑33) and glial cells alter nerve cell function in the nucleus accumbens, a brain area tied to reward. The team will use genetically engineered mice that allow deletion of IL‑33 and will measure changes in D1 medium spiny neurons after dependence and withdrawal. Electrophysiology on brain slices will link synaptic and membrane excitability changes to prior alcohol intake and neuroimmune activity. The work aims to identify mechanisms that could become targets to reduce excessive drinking or withdrawal-related problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is aimed at people with alcohol use disorder, especially those with a history of heavy drinking and withdrawal.
Not a fit: People who drink only occasionally or whose problems are unrelated to alcohol dependence are unlikely to see direct benefit from this preclinical work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biological targets for medicines that reduce cravings, relapse, or withdrawal symptoms in people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show neuroimmune signaling can change alcohol drinking behavior, but the specific focus on IL‑33 and membrane excitability of D1 neurons is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MANGIERI, REGINA A. — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: MANGIERI, REGINA A.
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.
Conditions: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome