How stress affects memory related to alcohol and drug use
The Impact of Individual Vulnerability to Stress on Alcohol and Drug Seeking
This study looks at how stress affects the way we remember past experiences with alcohol and drugs, using male and female mice to see if there are differences between the sexes, which could help us understand why some people develop issues like PTSD or addiction after stressful events.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10842329 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual vulnerability to stress influences the memory of past experiences related to alcohol and drug seeking behaviors. By studying both male and female mice, the researchers aim to understand the role of the basolateral amygdala in enhancing memories under stress, particularly focusing on how these mechanisms differ by sex. The study utilizes advanced protocols to analyze the effects of stress on remote fear memories, which may provide insights into why some individuals develop stress-related disorders like PTSD after traumatic events. The findings could help identify biological factors that contribute to addiction and stress responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced trauma and may be at risk for developing PTSD or substance use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced trauma or do not have a history of substance use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with addiction and stress-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that stress can significantly impact memory and behavior, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colom Lapetina, Jose — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Colom Lapetina, Jose
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.