Understanding how specific brain systems affect pain and behavior
Determining the impact of BNST CRF systems on inflammatory pain-induced disruptions of behavior
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain affects pain and emotions, with the goal of finding new, non-opioid treatments to help people with chronic pain feel better and regain their motivation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061877 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) systems in a specific brain region, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), influence behaviors related to inflammatory pain. By exploring the connections between pain, motivation, and emotional responses, the study aims to identify non-opioid treatments that can help restore normal behavior in individuals suffering from chronic pain. The researchers will examine the activation of CRF signaling in response to persistent pain and how this affects both nociceptive (pain-related) and motivational behaviors. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to manage pain without relying on opioids.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic inflammatory pain and related behavioral disruptions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pain or those whose pain is not inflammatory in nature may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for chronic pain that do not involve opioids, reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting brain signaling pathways for pain management, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kash, Thomas L. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Kash, Thomas L.
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.