How Stimulant Drugs Change Brain Chemistry in Addiction
Stimulant-induced excitatory and inhibitory dopamine receptor signaling and trafficking
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11123348
This work explores how stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate alter important brain chemicals, called dopamine receptors, which play a big role in addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
When someone uses stimulant drugs, their brain's dopamine system changes, which contributes to the complex behaviors seen in addiction. Even a single exposure to a stimulant can cause dopamine receptors to temporarily disappear from the surface of brain cells, affecting how the brain signals. We want to understand how long these changes last and how repeated drug use affects both types of dopamine receptors, D1 and D2. Using advanced brain imaging techniques in non-human primates, we will track these changes over time to see how stimulants impact brain signaling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not involve human participants, but future patients with stimulant use disorder could potentially benefit from its findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these fundamental brain changes could lead to new and more effective treatments for stimulant use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown some changes in dopamine receptors after stimulant use, the specific timeline and full impact on both receptor types with repeated exposure are not yet well understood.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SANDER, CHRISTIN Y. — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: SANDER, CHRISTIN Y.
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.