Investigating how brain circuits in the amygdala affect stress disorders
Official title: Role of amygdala inhibitory circuit neuromodulation in stress disorders
Funded at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care · NIH-11109608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain circuits in the amygdala, which help us handle emotions, work when we're stressed or dealing with issues like PTSD and alcohol use, to find out how changes in brain signals might help us better understand and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005118-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with PTSD or alcohol use disorder who are experiencing significant stress-related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stress disorders not related to the amygdala or those without a diagnosis of PTSD or alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of inhibitory circuits in the amygdala, a brain region involved in emotional processing, particularly in relation to stress disorders like PTSD and alcohol use disorder. By examining how neuromodulation affects the balance of excitation and inhibition in these circuits, the study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to emotional memory formation and stress responses. The approach includes preclinical experiments to assess how norepinephrine influences inhibitory inputs in the amygdala, which could lead to new insights into treatment strategies for stress-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals suffering from stress disorders, potentially reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuromodulation in stress disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tasker, Jeffrey G — Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care
- Study coordinator: Tasker, Jeffrey G
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.