Award
NIH Reporter #5K01MH129780-03
PET imaging of dynorphin/kappa-opioid reactivity to stress in depression
Recipient
NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC
Award Amount
$181,332.00
Ceiling
$181,332.00
Awarded
August 19, 2026
Identifier
5K01MH129780-03
A research grant awarded to study kappa-opioid receptor activity in stress response among depressed individuals using PET imaging and daily stress assessments.
Description
This project aims to investigate the role of kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) in stress reactivity in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Using in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) with the tracer [11C]EKAP, the study will measure KOR binding and endogenous dynorphin release in unmedicated depressed individuals versus healthy controls during a stress task. The study will also evaluate ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of daily stressors and their neural correlates.