How stress-related brain circuits that control serotonin influence drinking
Extended Amygdala Regulation of Dorsal Raphe Function in Ethanol Self-Administration
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11299006
The project tests whether stress-related brain circuits that change serotonin signaling make people with alcohol use disorder drink more.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have alcohol problems, this research looks at specific brain wiring that links stress signals and serotonin to see why drinking keeps happening after alcohol exposure. Researchers use animal models and genetic tools to map connections from the extended amygdala (BNST) to serotonin-producing neurons in the dorsal raphe and to manipulate CRF and 5HT2C-related signaling. They measure alcohol self-administration, social behavior, and arousal after alcohol exposure to see which circuits drive withdrawal-related drinking. The goal is to find circuit-level targets that could later be tested with medications to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol use disorder, especially those who drink heavily and experience withdrawal-related anxiety or craving, would be the primary group who might benefit.
Not a fit: People whose drinking is driven mainly by social or environmental factors rather than withdrawal-related brain circuitry, or those with other primary substance use disorders, may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain targets for medications that reduce heavy drinking and withdrawal-driven cravings.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked BNST CRF and 5HT2C signaling to alcohol drinking and withdrawal behaviors, but turning these circuit findings into effective human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KASH, THOMAS L. — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: KASH, THOMAS L.
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.
Conditions: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome