Understanding how opioids affect brain signals related to addiction in veterans
Official title: Plasticity of GABA input to VTA dopamine neurons in opioid use disorders
Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-10948927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how opioids affect certain brain signals related to addiction, especially in veterans who might be more likely to struggle with opioid use, to find new ways to help manage their pain and reduce the risk of addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005396-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterans who have been prescribed opioids and are experiencing issues related to opioid use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of opioid use or are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of opioids on specific brain signals that influence addiction, particularly in veterans who are at higher risk for opioid use disorders. It focuses on the interaction between opioids and a peptide called neurotensin, which may help regulate the release of GABA, an important neurotransmitter in the brain. By studying these interactions in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the research aims to uncover new insights into how opioid exposure alters brain function and contributes to addiction. The ultimate goal is to identify potential new treatments that can better manage opioid use disorders, especially for veterans dealing with chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for veterans struggling with opioid use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions being studied are novel, there is existing research that supports the importance of understanding neurotransmitter dynamics in addiction treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beckstead, Michael J — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Beckstead, Michael J
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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.