Investigating how alcohol affects brain cells in women and men
Official title: Input specific adaptations to glutamatergic strength and plasticity on PFC PV-INs following ethanol drinking
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10994227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol use disorder affects certain brain cells in the part of the brain that helps with decision-making, and it wants to see if these effects are different for men and women, which could help create better treatments for people struggling with alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA031397-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder, particularly those who may experience different effects based on their sex.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use disorder or those who are not affected by alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of alcohol use disorder (AUD) on specific brain cells in the prefrontal cortex, focusing on how these effects differ between men and women. The study aims to understand the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in regulating drinking behaviors by examining the synaptic mechanisms involved. Using advanced techniques such as electrophysiology and optogenetics, researchers will analyze how these receptors influence the communication between brain cells after alcohol consumption. This could lead to better-targeted treatments for AUD based on sex differences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for alcohol use disorder, particularly tailored to the needs of different genders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of glutamate receptors in alcohol-related behaviors, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fabian, Carly B — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Fabian, Carly B
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.