How fentanyl exposure during pregnancy affects brain development and behavior in offspring
Official title: The Impact of Perinatal Fentanyl on Dopamine Neuron Circuitry and Behavior
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11068300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being exposed to fentanyl during pregnancy might affect the brain development and behavior of children as they grow up, particularly in terms of their thinking skills and motivation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $45,114 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA062453-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals who were exposed to fentanyl or other opioids during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to opioids during pregnancy or who do not have related cognitive or motivational impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of fentanyl exposure during pregnancy on the development of dopamine neurons and subsequent behavior in offspring. It focuses on understanding how this exposure can lead to cognitive impairments and reduced motivation in adulthood. The study employs both clinical and preclinical approaches, including animal models, to assess changes in brain structure and function. By examining the neuroadaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, the research aims to uncover the long-term consequences of perinatal opioid exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for cognitive and motivational deficits in individuals exposed to opioids in utero.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant impacts of opioid exposure on brain development, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and critical for understanding long-term outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcinerney, Jessica — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Mcinerney, Jessica
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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.