June 27, 2023 – Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) found that manipulating specific types of brain cells inhibit fentanyl consumption urges. This discovery could have significant implications for public health initiatives addressing the opioid crisis.  

The study, published in Current Biology, focused on claustral neurons and their direct influence on opioid intake. The claustrum is a small subcortical nucleus that connects with large regions of the cortex, as well as with many subcortical and midbrain structures.  

The researchers discovered that claustral neurons exhibited distinctive activity patterns when fentanyl was consumed in this biological study. Manipulating these neurons allowed the researchers to modulate the amount of fentanyl ingested — activating the neurons inhibited drug consumption while suppressing the same neurons escalated drug intake. 

“Our findings shed light on the intricate relationship between the brain and fentanyl consumption,” says Prof. Ami Citri, lead investigator from Hebrew University’s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences. “Understanding the role of claustral neurons in regulating the urge to consume opioids offers a new avenue for interventions aimed at curbing addiction.”   

HU Professor Ami Citri, Credit: Courtesy of HU
HU Professor Ami Citri, Credit: Courtesy of HU

The opioid crisis continues to be a grave public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than two-thirds (67%) of drug deaths in 2022 involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is mixed with cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, or other illegal drugs. Fentanyl is 100x more potent than morphine and a lethal fentanyl overdose can occur with as little as two milligrams. 

The researchers believe that future study of the claustrum’s function in different stages of the addiction process could help those struggling with active addiction and lead to the development of drug therapies. 

Other researchers at Hebrew University’s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences who contributed to the study include Anna Terem, Ph.D., and Yonatan Fatal, who initiated the project as a high-school student.