Targeting Vasopressin and Oxytocin Receptors to Treat Anxiety and Fear
Official title: The Integrated Role of Vasopressin and Oxytocin Receptors in the Modulation of BNST Activity and Fear Processing
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-11408439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing how brain chemical signals related to vasopressin and oxytocin in the BNST region affect fear and anxiety, with the goal of identifying new ways to treat anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 12, 2017 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $467,114 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH113007-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with anxiety disorders, including those with hypervigilance and abnormal BNST activity, who may benefit from future targeted therapies or related trials.
✕Less likely to help
People whose anxiety is driven by factors outside BNST-mediated pathways or who do not respond to BNST-targeted approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on brain circuits involved in anxiety, especially how the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) interacts with fear processing. By studying vasopressin and oxytocin receptors in the BNST, the team aims to uncover targets that could calm hyperactive fear responses. The work combines animal studies and human imaging findings to connect BNST activity with anxiety symptoms and potential therapies. If successful, the findings could point to novel pharmacological approaches for reducing persistent anxiety and hypervigilance in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This research could lead to new drug targets that help lower anxiety and improve quality of life for people with anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked BNST activity and fear processing to anxiety, with oxytocin receptor involvement showing potential to modulate fear circuits, though translation to therapies remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dabrowska, Joanna — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Dabrowska, Joanna
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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.