Understanding how prenatal opioid exposure affects alcohol behaviors
Impact of prenatal opioid exposure on corticostriatal circuits that modulate alcohol-related behaviors
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11171560
This project looks at how being exposed to opioids before birth might make some children more likely to develop problems with alcohol later in life.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171560 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring how exposure to opioid medications like methadone during pregnancy can change brain circuits, potentially leading to increased alcohol use later on. They are using a special mouse model that shows similar effects to what is seen in humans, including withdrawal symptoms after birth. The team is particularly interested in how these brain changes might make males more susceptible to alcohol-related issues. By understanding these brain mechanisms, we hope to find ways to help children affected by prenatal opioid exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to children and adults who were exposed to opioids during pregnancy and may be at risk for alcohol use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by prenatal opioid exposure or alcohol use disorders would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat alcohol use problems in individuals who were exposed to opioids before birth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that prenatal opioid exposure can increase the risk for future substance misuse, and this mouse model has been validated to reflect clinical features.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ATWOOD, BRADY — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: ATWOOD, BRADY
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.