Investigating how stress affects depression through brain imaging
PET imaging of dynorphin/kappa-opioid reactivity to stress in depression
This study is looking at how certain brain receptors related to stress might affect people with major depressive disorder, and it involves using special imaging to see how these receptors work in those with depression compared to healthy individuals during a stressful situation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10705218 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of kappa-opioid receptors in major depressive disorder (MDD) and how stress impacts these receptors. By using advanced PET imaging techniques, the study aims to measure kappa-opioid receptor binding and dynorphin release in individuals with MDD compared to healthy controls. Participants will undergo imaging while experiencing a laboratory stressor to assess their neurobiological responses. The goal is to uncover whether these receptor deficits are linked to current depressive states or are a more persistent trait.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are unmedicated individuals currently experiencing major depressive disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently experiencing depression or those who are on medication for depression may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for depression by targeting specific neurobiological mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using PET imaging to study kappa-opioid receptors in depression is innovative, preliminary studies have suggested that similar neurobiological mechanisms may be involved in stress and depression.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartlett, Elizabeth Adams — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Bartlett, Elizabeth Adams
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.