# Mapping the Functional and Anatomical Pathways from the Anterior and Posterior Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus to the Nucleus Accumbens: Implications for Opioid Use

> **NIH DA R00** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2026 · $249,000

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a complex medical condition characterized by compulsive and maladaptive use
of opioid substances, including prescribed pharmaceuticals (such as oxycodone) and illegal agents (such as
heroin). It causes physiological, psychological, and sociological effects, including tolerance, withdrawal
symptoms, relapse, and impaired daily functioning. Managing opioid use disorder (OUD) involves addressing
withdrawal symptoms and relapse risks during abstinence, which can vary throughout different stages of
recovery.
During the initial phase of opioid withdrawal, individuals often encounter the most severe and debilitating
symptoms. These symptoms typically peak within the first few days of refraining from drug use and gradually
subside with prolonged abstinence. Nevertheless, the most significant challenge during this critical stage of
recovery is the sustained risk of relapse, even after the initial withdrawal symptoms have abated. This risk is
further amplified by external cues that can trigger intense cravings and the compulsion to seek drugs. Hence, it
is imperative to acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the neural mechanisms that underlie relapse
during early and prolonged abstinence from opioid use.
Rodent studies suggest that glutamatergic projections from the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT)
to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are involved in the expression of negative affective states and relapse after
abstinence. Both PVT and NAc are heterogeneous and complex brain regions with diverse sets of cell types,
functional connections, unique subregions, and neurotransmitter systems. Opponent roles of anterior/posterior
PVT subregions, and D1- and D2-medium spiny neuron activity, has been found for approach/appetitive and
avoidance/aversive behaviors. This research project addresses the critical question of how the PVT interacts
with the NAc to modulate withdrawal symptoms during early abstinence and prolonged abstine

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11454843
- **Project number:** 4R00DA060895-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** Yanaira  Alonso Caraballo
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** DA
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $249,000
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01T00:00:00 → 2028-11-30T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11454843

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11454843, Mapping the Functional and Anatomical Pathways from the Anterior and Posterior Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus to the Nucleus Accumbens: Implications for Opioid Use (4R00DA060895-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-20 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11454843. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*