How HIV and hormones affect brain control of cocaine-related behaviors
HIV and estrogen effects on hypothalamic regulation of cocaine-related behavior
This project explores how HIV infection and hormone changes in women might affect brain areas linked to drug use behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140386 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that HIV infection can change hormone levels and menstrual cycles, and it's often seen alongside drug use, especially in women. This project looks at how HIV might affect a specific part of the brain, called the medial preoptic area, which plays a role in both hormone regulation and behaviors related to cocaine. By understanding these connections, we hope to learn more about why HIV might speed up disease progression in women who use drugs. We are using a mouse model to see how HIV infection impacts these brain areas and behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand biological mechanisms relevant to women living with HIV who may also have substance use challenges.
Not a fit: Patients not living with HIV or not experiencing related hormonal changes or substance use may not directly benefit from this specific line of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us understand the biological reasons why women with HIV who use drugs might experience faster disease progression, potentially leading to new ways to support their health.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on existing knowledge about brain regions involved in hormone regulation and drug-related behaviors, and uses an established mouse model for HIV infection.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barker, Jacqueline M — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Barker, Jacqueline M
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.