Understanding how orexins affect stress responses during adolescence

Orexins actions in adolescence

['FUNDING_R21'] · CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA · NIH-10750999

This study looks at how a hormone called orexin affects how teenagers handle stress over time, using young rats to see if there are differences between boys and girls, and it hopes to shed light on how these findings might relate to mental health issues in young people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10750999 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the hormone orexin influences the ability of adolescents to adapt to repeated stress. By studying both male and female adolescent rats, the researchers aim to understand the differences in stress responses and habituation patterns. The study will explore how these hormonal changes may relate to mental health disorders, particularly in the context of cognitive stressors. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying stress responses in young people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation would be adolescents aged 12 to 20, particularly those experiencing stress-related issues or mental health concerns.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not experiencing stress-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for mental health disorders in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown sex differences in stress responses, but this specific focus on orexin in adolescents is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.