How the hippocampus keeps cocaine memories vivid
Hippocampal mechanisms of cocaine-memory reconsolidation
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11310788
This project will learn how a part of the brain called the hippocampus helps cocaine memories become stronger and stick around, which can drive cravings and relapse.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PULLMAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11310788 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or someone you know has struggled with cocaine cravings, this work is trying to understand why cue-driven memories remain so powerful. The team uses animal models to study a specific hippocampus region (dorsal CA3) that appears important when cocaine memories are reactivated and re-stored. They will examine the roles of different brain cells and synapses, including excitatory pyramidal neurons and inhibitory interneurons, in that reconsolidation process. The goal is to map the cellular and molecular steps that keep these drug memories intact so future therapies can target them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of cocaine use disorder who experience strong cue-triggered cravings would be the eventual candidates for therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Because the project is preclinical and performed in animal models, it does not offer direct treatment or benefits for patients right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify brain cells or circuits to target with new treatments that weaken harmful cocaine memories and lower relapse risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show disrupting memory reconsolidation can weaken drug memories, but pinpointing the exact hippocampal cells and synaptic mechanisms is a more novel step.
Where this research is happening
PULLMAN, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY — PULLMAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FUCHS LOKENSGARD, RITA A — WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FUCHS LOKENSGARD, RITA A
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: Cocaine use disorder