Understanding how genetics and stress affect oxycodone use in rats

Reduced complexity mapping of oxycodone self-administration and stress responsiveness in rats

NIH-funded research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10793656

This study looks at how certain genes and stress levels affect how rats choose to take oxycodone, a painkiller, to help us understand more about addiction and stress in people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10793656 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the genetic factors that influence how rats self-administer oxycodone, a common prescription painkiller, and how stress impacts this behavior. By using specially bred strains of rats that are more vulnerable to stress, the study aims to map genetic variations that may contribute to addiction. The researchers will observe the rats' voluntary consumption of oxycodone in a controlled setting, which mimics human usage patterns. This approach could help identify biological markers associated with opioid addiction and stress responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with a family history of opioid addiction or those who have experienced significant stress.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to addiction or who have not experienced stress-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for opioid addiction in humans.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using animal models to study addiction and stress, indicating that this approach is promising.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, 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.