Investigating how stress and cocaine use affect behavior in rats
Official title: Role of prelimbic cortical endocannabinoid signaling in enhanced cocaine-seeking behavior following combined repeated stress and cocaine use in rats
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11042148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,421 |
| NIH project number | 5R37DA057944-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder, particularly those who have experienced significant stress.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcreynolds, Jayme Rose — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Mcreynolds, Jayme Rose
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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.