How prenatal alcohol exposure may change a stress hormone (CRF) and lead to anxiety
Prenatal Alcohol and Anxiety: An Ontogenetic Role for CRF
Looks at whether drinking during pregnancy changes a brain stress system (CRF) so children exposed before birth develop anxiety.
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-11063285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's perspective, researchers use an animal model that mimics moderate alcohol exposure during pregnancy and follow offspring from childhood into adulthood to track anxiety-related behavior. They measure how the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system and its receptor (CRF1R) develop over time and whether prenatal alcohol alters that trajectory. The team examines behavioral outcomes and brain changes at multiple ages and compares males and females to find when and how differences appear. Findings aim to link a specific stress-signaling pathway to anxiety that emerges after prenatal alcohol exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who were exposed to alcohol before birth—children, adolescents, or adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or concerns about prenatal exposure—are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People whose anxiety is unrelated to prenatal alcohol exposure, or those without prenatal alcohol exposure, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify biological targets that help prevent or treat anxiety in people with fetal alcohol exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal research has connected CRF signaling to alcohol-related anxiety in adult males, but applying this across development and including sex differences is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Binghamton, United States
- State University of Ny,binghamton — Binghamton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diaz, Marvin Rafael — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Diaz, Marvin Rafael
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.