# Nitrous Oxide and Cortico-Limbic Function in Aggression

> **NIH NIH R21** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $195,000

## Abstract

Project Summary
In this application, we propose to build on previous work regarding the role of glutamate in impulsive
aggression. Both preclinical animal studies and recent human studies from our labs and other labs support the
hypothesis that glutamate is an important modulator that facilitates aggressive behavior. In this study, we
propose to use an FDA approved glutamatergic modulator, Nitrous Oxide (N2O), to determine if N2O has the
ability to normalize cortico-limbic circuits previously associated with impulsive aggressive behavior in
humans. Impulsive aggressive, and healthy non-aggressive control, study participants will undergo two
inhalation protocols (50% N2O / 50% O2 as active and 50% N2 / 50% O2 as control) separated by at least one
week and undergo an fMRI Scan 24 hours after each inhalation study session. If this mechanistic study
demonstrates that N2O inhalation can normalize the functioning of these circuits, N2O may represent a
candidate as an anti-aggressive agent.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9896211
- **Project number:** 1R21MH119531-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** EMIL Frank COCCARO
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $195,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9896211

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9896211, Nitrous Oxide and Cortico-Limbic Function in Aggression (1R21MH119531-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9896211. Licensed CC0.

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