Oxytocin's effects on reducing cocaine preference behaviors
Official title: Oxytocin Induces Retrograde Metaplasticity to Attenuate CocainePreference Behavior
Funded at Trinity University · NIH-10934364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called oxytocin might help people who struggle with cocaine addiction by seeing how it affects certain brain cells, and it could lead to new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trinity University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $171,946 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058205-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934364 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals struggling with cocaine use or addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cocaine or have no history of cocaine-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how oxytocin (OXT) can reduce the preference for cocaine by examining its effects on dopamine neurons in the brain. The study uses advanced techniques, including genetically modified rats, to silence specific receptors that oxytocin interacts with. By understanding the mechanisms behind oxytocin's influence on cocaine-related behaviors, the research aims to uncover potential new treatments for cocaine addiction. The findings could provide insights into how to modulate reward processes in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding oxytocin's effects on cocaine behaviors in animal models, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Trinity University
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leong, Kah Chung — Trinity University
- Study coordinator: Leong, Kah Chung
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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.