Vagus nerve stimulation to weaken drug-related memories
Vagus nerve stimulation modulates synaptic plasticity in the rat prefrontal cortex during the extinction of drug-seeking
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS · NIH-11294347
Researchers are using brief electrical signals to the vagus nerve to weaken drug-associated memories and help lower relapse risk for people with substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses experiments in rats to see how pairing extinction training (learning to ignore drug cues) with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) changes brain circuits that drive drug-seeking. Investigators measure electrical signaling and receptor changes in the prefrontal cortex and look at the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in consolidating new, non-drug memories. The team examines whether VNS restores normal glutamate receptor function after drug exposure and whether that links to less relapse-like behavior in animals. Findings could guide whether VNS might be tested in people to help prevent return to drug use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of substance use disorder who are trying to reduce relapse risk would be the eventual candidates for this line of work.
Not a fit: This project may not help people whose relapse is driven mainly by pain, severe psychiatric illness, or ongoing heavy drug use without engagement in behavioral treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach translates to people, it could strengthen new, healthier memories and reduce cue-triggered relapse after treatment for addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies, including the investigators' own work in rats, show VNS can boost extinction and reduce relapse-like behavior, while human VNS has proven safe for other conditions but is unproven for addiction.
Where this research is happening
RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS — RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KROENER, SVEN — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS
- Study coordinator: KROENER, SVEN
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.