Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are associated with increased rates of early morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, for many patients and alcohol dependence may become increasingly refractory and effective treatments remains elusive. Thus, the goal of this R21 is to evaluate the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in an animal model of alcohol dependence. Human imaging studies indicate that both the ventral striatum and anterior cingulate are affected in alcohol dependence, but these studies do not implicate one brain region over another. Thus, a barrier to implementing DBS clinically is the need to identify the brain region to be targeted. This study proposes to perform DBS in animals using the same methods used in humans - to determine which brain region is more effective in reducing alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the study in animals can be used to assess bilateral vs unilateral stimulation in these brain regions in addition to obtaining preliminary dat to determine the optimal stimulation parameters for DBS in humans. Deep-brain stimulation has the potential to be a viable treatment option for individuals with refractory alcohol dependence. Before this is attempted in humans, a better understanding of the parameters is warranted including the best neuroanatomical target, the effectiveness of unilateral versus bilateral stimulation, and what specific aspects of alcohol self-administration are altered by DBS.

Public Health Relevance

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) result in 3-fold increased rates of early mortality and despite hundreds of clinical drug trials; pharmacotherapy is ineffective for many patients. Thus, procedures that target the brain regions, through direct modulation are being explored, and the goal of this study is to use an animal model of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to compare its effectiveness in the ventral striatum and anterior cingulate.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21AA023879-01A1
Application #
9035757
Study Section
Neuroscience Review Subcommittee (AA)
Program Officer
Matochik, John A
Project Start
2016-03-01
Project End
2018-02-28
Budget Start
2016-03-01
Budget End
2017-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
167204994
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032