How cocaine memories differ in women and men
Sex differences in operant cocaine memories
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MED CTR · NIH-11376172
This work looks at whether brain memory circuits that drive cocaine craving act differently in females than males to help people trying to stay abstinent.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MED CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (JACKSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11376172 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a rat-based behavioral model called the seeking-persistence paradigm that mimics craving during early abstinence and predicts relapse risk. They compare male and female animals to find circuit and molecular differences, with a focus on the dorsal hippocampus. Experiments apply targeted interventions during initial abstinence to see how those changes affect long-term drug-seeking. Results are intended to guide future therapies that address sex-specific biological drivers of relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of cocaine use disorder who have trouble staying abstinent—particularly those who experience strong craving early in quitting—would be the eventual candidates for therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: People without cocaine use disorder or those seeking immediate clinical treatment will not directly benefit from this preclinical study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to sex-specific strategies to reduce relapse and improve long-term abstinence for people with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked the hippocampus and sex differences to drug-seeking, but the seeking-persistence paradigm and targeted early-abstinence interventions are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
JACKSON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MED CTR — JACKSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOHTZ, AMY — UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MED CTR
- Study coordinator: KOHTZ, AMY
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.