Investigating how hormones affect brain activity related to heroin seeking
Progesterone and allopregnanolone of prefrontal cortical activity dynamics and heroin seeking
This study is looking at how the brain works in mice to better understand why people with opioid addiction might go back to using drugs, which could help find new ways to support recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10794395 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the neural mechanisms that contribute to relapse in opioid use disorder by examining brain activity in mice. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study will observe changes in the prefrontal cortex as the mice engage in heroin self-administration. The researchers will analyze how different patterns of brain activity correlate with behaviors associated with drug seeking and relapse. This work could lead to new insights into how hormonal influences affect addiction and recovery processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use disorder who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorder or are not affected by opioid addiction may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted treatments for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doncheck, Elizabeth — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Doncheck, Elizabeth
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.