How changes in a brain receptor affect alcohol dependence
Official title: Receptor variant-based changes in the role of PACAP in the nucleus accumbens during the transition to ethanol dependence
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10928161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called PACAP changes when someone becomes dependent on alcohol, using animal models to help us understand why some people drink more when they’re dependent, which could help find new ways to treat alcohol use problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA031427-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals struggling with alcohol dependence or those at risk of developing alcohol use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol dependence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the role of a specific neuropeptide, PACAP, changes in the brain during the transition to alcohol dependence. It focuses on the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus and its connection to the nucleus accumbens, examining how different drinking histories can alter the effects of PACAP on alcohol consumption. By using animal models, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind increased alcohol intake in dependent states, which could lead to new treatment strategies for alcohol use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating alcohol dependence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuropeptides in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carpenter, Brody Allen — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Carpenter, Brody Allen
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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.