Interpeduncular brain circuit links stress and nicotine use
Official title: Interpeduncular circuitry in stress-responsive behaviors and nicotine dependence
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11357563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in rodents will explore how a specific brain circuit (IPN) that reacts to stress may influence nicotine intake and anxiety related to nicotine withdrawal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $471,474 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA041482-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal for researchers and clinicians seeking new targets for nicotine addiction related to stress; no patient participation is planned in this basic animal study.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit in this preclinical study.
What this research studies
Researchers will investigate how the interpeduncular nucleus, part of a stress-brain network, responds to stress signals in living animals and how this response changes with nicotine dependence. By using advanced imaging and genetic tools to monitor activity in this brain region, the study aims to link stress-induced brain changes to nicotine-related behaviors. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to reduce stress-triggered nicotine use and withdrawal anxiety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this brain pathway could lead to new approaches for preventing relapse and improving treatment for nicotine addiction affected by stress.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows the MHb-IPN axis influences nicotine intake in rodents, supporting the likelihood of meaningful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tapper, Andrew R — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Tapper, Andrew R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How a brain area connects stress and nicotine cravings
This research explores how a specific part of the brain links stress to nicotine dependence and withdrawal anxiety.
-
Understanding how the brain's insular cortex affects nicotine addiction
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain helps mice that are addicted to nicotine feel cravings and withdrawal, which could help us understand addiction better and find ways to reduce the urge to smoke.
-
Targeting brain circuits to help people with schizophrenia quit smoking
This study is looking at how certain brain areas related to nicotine cravings can be helped with a special treatment called brain stimulation, to make it easier for people with schizophrenia to quit smoking.
-
How people puff IQOS Iluma i vs IQOS 2.4 and how flavors feel
This study tests how exclusive IQOS users puff the newer Iluma i versus the older 2.4, and whether preferred flavor affects puffing and sensory experience.
-
Do a single nicotine pouch affect cigarette craving and brain response to smoking cues
This study tests whether a single 6 mg oral nicotine pouch can reduce craving and alter prefrontal brain responses to smoking cues in adults who smoke cigarettes.
-
TUBSIS 2.0 — an online program to help adults reduce or quit smoking and vaping
This program tests whether a free, anonymous, 4-week web-based course using mindfulness, self-compassion, and behavior-change techniques helps German-, English-, and Turkish-speaking adults who smoke or vape reduce or quit tobacco.
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.