Understanding brain changes in alcohol-dependent rats

Basolateral amygdala to ventral subiculum network plasticity in alcohol dependent male and female rats

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11060866

This study looks at how certain brain areas in male and female rats change when they become dependent on alcohol, helping us understand the biology behind alcohol use disorder and training future researchers in this important field.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11060866 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific brain circuits in the amygdala and hippocampus change in response to alcohol dependence in male and female rats. By using advanced techniques, the study aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to alcohol use disorder. The research will involve exposing rats to chronic intermittent ethanol to observe how their brain circuitry adapts over time, particularly focusing on differences between genders. This work not only seeks to uncover the underlying biology of alcohol dependence but also aims to train the next generation of researchers in this critical area.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder or those interested in understanding the biological basis of addiction.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or are not affected by alcohol-related issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the treatment of alcohol use disorders, potentially improving therapeutic strategies for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in exploring brain circuitry related to addiction, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.