How sex differences affect dopamine release and clearance in the brain
Official title: Sex-biased, region-specific regulation of DA release and clearance
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11132455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being male or female affects the way our brains release and clear dopamine, a chemical that plays a big role in conditions like ADHD, especially when using medications like amphetamines, to help make sure both men and women are included in understanding brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060410-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132455 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with ADHD or have a history of substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have ADHD or substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how biological sex influences the release and clearance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD. It aims to understand the differences in dopamine signaling between males and females, particularly in response to psychostimulants like amphetamines. By examining these differences, the study seeks to address the historical exclusion of female subjects in neuroscience research and provide insights into how sex hormones affect brain function. The methodology includes both animal models and human data to explore these sex-biased responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for ADHD and substance use disorders that consider sex differences in dopamine regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that considering sex differences in neuropsychiatric studies can lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating these conditions, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stewart, Adele — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Stewart, Adele
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthier Workplace Center for the Midwest
A multi-site NIH grant aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by coordinating research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
-
Serotonin pathways and how they help recovery after seizures
A researcher is studying how serotonin-related brain circuits influence waking up after seizures, using mouse models to understand why some people with epilepsy have dangerous breathing pauses after seizures.
-
Serotonin brain circuit clues to safer sleep after seizures
Aims to understand how brain serotonin systems and CO2-triggered arousal affect recovery after seizures in mouse models to reduce SUDEP risk.
-
Improved ICU Mobility Care through a Smart Guideline in the EHR
A hospital study will test a smart tool in the electronic health record to help ICU teams identify when to start patient-friendly mobility activities and coordinate a plan tailored to each patient.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Pain and aging: how nerve cells become more sensitive with age
This project looks at why older adults often have chronic pain by studying how nerve cells in aging animals become more sensitive and how inflammation might drive this change.
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.