Investigating how stress and cocaine use affect behavior in rats

Role of prelimbic cortical endocannabinoid signaling in enhanced cocaine-seeking behavior following combined repeated stress and cocaine use in rats

['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · NIH-11042148

This study looks at how stress can make rats want to use cocaine more, and it hopes to find out how this happens in the brain to help develop better treatments for people struggling with cocaine addiction.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R37']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11042148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the complex relationship between stress and cocaine use, focusing on how repeated stress can enhance cocaine-seeking behavior in rats. By using a model where rats self-administer cocaine while experiencing stress, the study aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms involved, particularly the role of endocannabinoid signaling in the brain. The researchers will examine how these interactions can inform potential treatment strategies for cocaine use disorder, which currently lacks effective FDA-approved medications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder, particularly those who have experienced significant stress.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those who are not affected by stress-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatment options for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While this research builds on existing knowledge of addiction and stress, it specifically addresses a novel interaction that has not been extensively tested in pre-clinical models.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: addictive disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.