How brain signals affect the body's response to opiate use.
Acetylcholine signaling allows cognitive processes in the brain to regulate physiological responses to the environment: the example of central control of opiate tolerance
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called acetylcholine affects how our bodies respond to opiates, especially when it comes to addiction and getting used to the drug, and it hopes to find ways to use this knowledge to help prevent overdoses and treat people struggling with opiate addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10662288 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, influences the body's physiological responses to opiates, particularly in relation to addiction and tolerance. It explores the connection between cognitive processes, such as recognizing familiar environments, and the body's ability to manage drug effects. By using advanced molecular genetic techniques, the study aims to understand how manipulating these brain-body interactions could help prevent overdose and treat opiate addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of opiate use or addiction who are at risk of overdose.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use opiates or have no history of addiction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing opiate overdose and treating addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain-body interactions in addiction, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Picciotto, Marina R — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Picciotto, Marina R
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.