How ovarian hormones affect dopamine interactions in the brain related to nicotine addiction
Official title: The Role of Ovarian Hormones in Regulating Dopamine Acetylcholine Interactions in the Nucleus Accumbens
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11140271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormones in women might affect their brain's response to nicotine, helping us understand why women could be more prone to nicotine addiction and how we can better support them in quitting.
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 | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DA060663-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women who are experiencing nicotine addiction or are at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not female or who do not have a history of nicotine use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ovarian hormones in influencing how dopamine and acetylcholine interact in the brain's nucleus accumbens, particularly in the context of nicotine addiction. It aims to understand why women may be more vulnerable to nicotine addiction and how hormonal changes can affect this vulnerability. The study will explore the mechanisms by which estradiol, a key ovarian hormone, modulates these interactions and how this may differ between males and females. By examining these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into potential treatment strategies for nicotine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for nicotine addiction, particularly for women who may respond differently to existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that hormonal influences can significantly affect addiction behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holmgren, Eleanor Bailey — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Holmgren, Eleanor Bailey
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.