Investigating how brain regions affect alcohol drinking and anxiety in male and female rats
Official title: Anterior Insula Projections for Alcohol Drinking/Anxiety Interactions in Female and Male Rats
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10931348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how brain activity and anxiety affect drinking habits in male and female rats to help us understand alcohol use disorder better, which could lead to more personalized treatments for people dealing with alcohol-related challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $523,683 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030710-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931348 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with alcohol use disorder, particularly those experiencing anxiety or mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or related anxiety issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between brain activity in the anterior insula and alcohol consumption, particularly focusing on how anxiety influences drinking behaviors in both male and female rats. By using animal models, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the differences between sexes in their drinking patterns and anxiety responses. The findings could lead to a better understanding of how to tailor treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol-related issues, especially considering the rising rates of alcohol problems in women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized therapies for individuals with alcohol use disorder and anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: While this research focuses on specific mechanisms in rats, similar studies have shown promise in understanding alcohol use disorder and anxiety interactions, suggesting potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hopf, Frederic Woodward — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Hopf, Frederic Woodward
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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.