How stress affects cocaine-seeking behavior in the brain
Official title: Endocannabinoid regulation of the corticoaccumbens pathway and stress-enhanced cocaine-seeking behavior
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10916268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects the desire for cocaine by using rats to see how these feelings interact and change brain systems, which could help find new ways to treat cocaine addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2023 |
| Project end | August 8, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,368 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059206-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder, particularly those who experience high levels of stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those who are not affected by stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between stress and cocaine-seeking behavior using a rat model. By simulating stress during cocaine self-administration, the study aims to understand how these factors interact and influence addiction. The researchers will examine changes in the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating stress and reward pathways in the brain. The findings could provide insights into potential treatments for cocaine use disorder by targeting specific brain mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of combining stress with cocaine self-administration in a rat model is novel, previous research has shown that targeting the endocannabinoid system can influence addiction behaviors.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaulden, Andrew — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Gaulden, Andrew
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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.