How kappa opioid receptors in different parts of the nucleus accumbens affect alcohol drinking
Mechanisms of rostrocaudal differences in accumbal kappa opioid receptor effects on ethanol drinking
This work looks at how turning on or blocking certain brain opioid receptors in different parts of the reward center changes alcohol drinking, with relevance to people who struggle with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098640 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, scientists are using models that mimic the shift toward alcohol dependence to learn why the same receptor causes opposite feelings in two nearby brain areas. They will selectively activate or block kappa opioid receptors in the front (rostral) versus back (caudal) parts of the nucleus accumbens and measure alcohol drinking behavior. The team will also measure how those manipulations change serotonin and dopamine signals that shape mood and motivation. This project is preclinical work done in the lab, aiming to reveal brain mechanisms that could guide future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol use disorder or heavy, problematic drinking are the patient group most relevant to these findings, although this particular project uses laboratory models rather than enrolling patients directly.
Not a fit: People without alcohol problems or those whose drinking is driven by unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to more targeted treatments for alcohol use disorder that work by correcting specific kappa opioid receptor actions or balancing serotonin and dopamine in key brain regions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal research shows kappa opioid receptors influence alcohol-related behavior and that blocking KORs can reduce drinking, but the opposite effects seen in rostral versus caudal nucleus accumbens are a newer finding being explored here.
Where this research is happening
Binghamton, United States
- State University of Ny,binghamton — Binghamton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karkhanis, Anushree N — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Karkhanis, Anushree N
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.