Understanding Brain Circuits in Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Use
The Role of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis-Norepinephrine System in Amphetamine-type Stimulant Use Disorders
This research aims to uncover how specific brain pathways contribute to amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders, hoping to find new ways to help people struggling with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Amphetamine-type stimulants, like methamphetamine, are highly addictive, and currently, there are no proven medications to treat these use disorders. We believe this is partly because we don't fully understand the brain circuits involved. This project focuses on a specific brain area called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and its connection with norepinephrine, a brain chemical. By studying this pathway, we hope to learn how it influences stimulant use and withdrawal, which could lead to new treatment options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is designed to benefit individuals living with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders by improving our understanding of the underlying brain mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and effective medications for amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have highlighted the role of norepinephrine in substance abuse, this specific focus on the BNST-norepinephrine pathway in amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders is a relatively underexplored area.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Jinwoo — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Park, Jinwoo
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 below.