Investigating dopamine system changes during perimenopause and their link to psychosis.
Aberrant dopamine system function in a rodent model of perimenopause: relevance to psychosis
This study is looking at how changes in a brain chemical called dopamine during perimenopause might raise the chances of developing mental health issues, and it's using a rodent model to understand how certain brain areas affect this process, with the hope of finding new treatments to help women during this time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10936510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how changes in the dopamine system during perimenopause may increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders. Using a rodent model, the study will examine the role of the ventral hippocampus in regulating dopamine neurons and how this regulation affects behaviors associated with psychosis. The researchers will employ advanced techniques such as in vivo electrophysiology and chemogenetics to gain insights into these mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic interventions that could help restore normal dopamine function and alleviate psychotic symptoms in women experiencing perimenopause.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing perimenopause who may be at risk for developing psychotic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing perimenopausal symptoms or those with psychotic disorders unrelated to hormonal changes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively manage psychotic symptoms in perimenopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach in this research is novel, there have been previous studies indicating that understanding dopamine system changes can lead to better treatment strategies for psychosis.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez, Stephanie Marie — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Perez, Stephanie Marie
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.