How cocaine affects dopamine release in the brain
Official title: Cocaine effects on spatial patterns of striatal dopamine release
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11101280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cocaine addiction affects the brain's reward system, specifically how it changes the release of a chemical called dopamine, to help find better treatments for people dealing with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DA061606-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder or those affected by cocaine addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cocaine use disorder on dopamine release in a specific brain region known as the nucleus accumbens core. It aims to understand how cocaine alters the brain's ability to process both rewarding and aversive stimuli, which is crucial for developing effective treatments for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction. The study will utilize advanced techniques to measure dopamine release in response to various stimuli in animal models, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of addiction. By examining these processes, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving treatment outcomes in patients with cocaine use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals suffering from cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dopamine signaling in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elam, Hannah — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Elam, Hannah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how peer norms around alcohol and HIV prevention affect adolescents and young adults in rural Uganda
This project studies how what young people think their peers do or approve of influences drinking and HIV prevention behaviors in rural Uganda, with the goal of improving health outcomes.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Targeted gene silencing in the brain using siRNA helpers
This grant tests a new way to turn off specific brain genes in particular CNS cell types using siRNA conjugates to help understand brain biology and disease.
-
RSELVES Study: How older couples influence daily life and function with Alzheimer’s risk
A study to understand how daily routines and support between older adults and their partners relate to the development of Alzheimer’s-related functional decline.
-
Molecular mechanisms of coat assembly and regulation in membrane trafficking
A research project seeks to understand how cellular coats organize and regulate the delivery of membrane-bound cargo, with a focus on proteins related to neurological diseases.
-
Synaptic nanostructure in neurodevelopmental disorders
This project aims to map the tiny architecture of brain synapses in native cells to understand how connections form and change in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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.