How quitting alcohol early changes stress-related brain circuits in men and women
Sex differences in BNST networks during early abstinence in AUD
This project looks at how early quitting alcohol changes stress-related brain circuits differently in men and women using animal models to help explain withdrawal-related anxiety and relapse risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142440 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use animal models of alcohol dependence and early abstinence to study the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a brain region linked to stress and anxiety. They will compare male and female brains to find circuit and molecular differences that may explain sex-based differences in withdrawal symptoms. Methods include neural circuit mapping and behavioral tests during the early abstinence period to link brain changes with anxiety-like behaviors. The goal is to identify mechanisms that might guide sex-specific treatment ideas for people leaving active drinking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol use disorder who are in the early stages of quitting and who experience withdrawal-related anxiety or stress are the most likely to benefit from these findings.
Not a fit: People without alcohol problems, those already stable in long-term recovery, or individuals whose withdrawal does not include anxiety symptoms may not see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to sex-specific targets for medicines or therapies to reduce anxiety and lower relapse risk during early abstinence.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked the BNST to withdrawal-related anxiety, but focusing on sex-specific BNST network differences during early abstinence is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blackford, Jennifer Urbano — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Blackford, Jennifer Urbano
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.