Understanding how brain regions influence cocaine-seeking behavior
Official title: Competing basolateral amygdala inputs to the infralimbic and prelimbic cortices in cocaine-seeking behavior
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11037910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain work together when someone is craving cocaine, with the hope of finding better ways to help people struggling with cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2024 |
| Project end | February 7, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,900 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059983-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder who are seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural pathways involved in cocaine-seeking behavior, focusing on how different inputs from the basolateral amygdala affect two specific brain regions: the infralimbic cortex and the prelimbic cortex. By examining these interactions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that either promote or inhibit cocaine-seeking behavior. The research employs advanced techniques to manipulate and observe brain activity in relation to drug-seeking actions, which could lead to better treatment strategies for cocaine use disorder. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how their brain processes cravings and the potential for targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder by identifying new therapeutic targets.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of drug-seeking behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimbelman, Alexa Ryan — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Zimbelman, Alexa Ryan
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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.