Understanding how the vagus nerve and brain affect alcohol cravings
Vagal-hypothalamic modulation of alcohol intake
This research explores how signals between the stomach and brain, particularly involving the vagus nerve, influence alcohol consumption and may lead to new ways to help people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196723 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious health challenge, and current treatments don't always prevent relapse. This project aims to uncover new ways to help by looking at the connection between your body and brain. Specifically, we are focusing on the vagus nerve, which sends important signals between your stomach and brain. We believe that problems with this nerve might make people more likely to drink alcohol and relapse, and we're exploring if targeting specific brain areas could offer a new path for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients at this stage, but future clinical applications would likely focus on adults experiencing alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing alcohol use disorder would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to entirely new treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder by targeting the brain-body connection.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from the researchers and other preclinical evidence suggest a role for the vagus nerve in alcohol consumption, indicating a promising direction for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silberman, Yuval — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Silberman, Yuval
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.