Biomedical Research of Addiction, Imaging and Neuroscience (BRAIN) Lab
Bridging basic science to treatment for addiction
Substance use has a biological basis and it affects brain function. At 博彩网站’s BRAIN Lab, led by Milky Kohno, Ph.D., we are improving treatment for methamphetamine addiction and alcohol abuse disorders.
Our research uses advanced neuroimaging to find neurobiological causes of substance-use disorders. We test the effectiveness of treatments used to decrease inflammation, improve brain function, and reduce drug use.
We work closely with other psychiatry labs at 博彩网站 and the Portland VA Medical Center to find patients who could benefit from our research. Our research supports underserved populations, including veterans.
On this page you can:
Research Projects
The BRAIN Lab studies the brain at the molecular level, using advanced neuroimaging to test the effectiveness of addiction treatments. Dr. Kohno is the principal investigator for two ongoing clinical trials.
ABSTAIN: Sex differences in trauma, inflammation and brain function
We are studying how trauma causes inflammation and other disruptions in the brain and if these biological changes drive alcohol use. What we learn will support our clinical trial of Naltrexone, a medication used to treat alcohol use disorder.
Naltrexone helps people regulate their emotions by improving brain function and reducing inflammation. This helps reduce drinking behavior. Our study will show whether and how these improvements are different in men and women.
We hope to gain new insights into sex differences in alcohol use disorders and identify sex-specific biomarkers to inform treatment.
Join the ABSTAIN study
Call 503-721-7964 to participate in our ABSTAIN study. You might be eligible if you are:
- A U.S. veteran
- Not using substances except for alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana
- Right-handed
- 18-60 years old
- Comfortable with a 1-hour MRI scan
Clinical trial of IBUDILAST for methamphetamine use disorder
We are researching how neuroinflammation affects brain function in people with methamphetamine use disorder.
In this clinical trial, we use the medication Ibudiblast to reduce inflammation. Then we test whether that improves brain function in dopamine-related neural networks. Our hope is that the treatment will reduce cravings and use of methamphetamines.
Join the IBUDILAST clinical trial
Learn how to participate in our IBUDILAST study. Participants are paid up to $500.
You might be eligible if you:
- Are 18-60 years old
- Regularly use methamphetamines (within the last four weeks)
- Have no foreign metal objects in your body, except from medical procedures
- Have not been part of an investigational drug study in the past three months
Publications
Find more publications by Dr. Milky Kohno on PubMed.
Dopamine dysfunction in stimulant use disorders: mechanistic comparisons and implications for treatment
Molecular Psychiatry 2022
Kohno M, Dennis L, McCready H, Hoffman W.
Probabilistic reversal learning deficits in patients with methamphetamine use disorder—A longitudinal pilot study
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2020
Pilhatsch M, Pooseh S, Junke A, Kohno M, Petzold J, Sauer C, Smolka M.
Neuroinflammation in addiction: A review of neuroimaging studies and potential immunotherapies
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 2019
Kohno M, Link J, Dennis L, McCready H, Huckans M, Hoffman W, Loftis J.
Effects of Naltrexone on Large-Scale Network Interactions in Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2019
Kohno M, Morales A, Dennis L, McCready H, Hoffman W, Korthuis T.
The relationship between interleukin-6 and functional connectivity in methamphetamine users
Neuroscience Letters 2018
Kohno M, Loftis J, Huckans M, Dennis L, McCready H, Hoffman W.
Executive control and striatal resting-state network interact with risk factors to influence treatment outcomes in alcohol-use disorder
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2017
Kohno M, Dennis L, McCready H, Hoffman W.
Midbrain functional connectivity and ventral striatal dopamine D2-type receptors: link to impulsivity in methamphetamine users
Molecular Psychiatry 2016
Kohno M, Okita K, Morales A, Robertson C, Dean A, Ghahremani D, Sabb F, Rawson R, Mandelkern M, Bilder R, London E.
People
The BRAIN Lab is led by Milky Kohno, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and expert on the molecular mechanisms behind brain dysfunction in addiction. Dr. Kohno has published extensively on neurological biomarkers to target in the treatment of substance use disorders.
-
-
Appointments and titles
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine
- Research Professor of Medical Physics Graduate Program, School of Medicine
-
Areas of interest
- Addiction
- Neuroimaging: fMRI, PET
- Dopamine Dysregulation
- Pharmacotherapy
-
-
-
Appointments and titles
- Associate Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine
-
Areas of interest
- Effects of methamphetamine on cognition and decision-making
-
Matthew Cordova, B.A., research assistant
Matthew is a student working on a B.A. in psychology and a B.S. in cell, molecular and biomedical sciences at the University of Portland. His research interests include environmental factors that affect mental health disorders and biological mechanisms like sleep and cognitive function. He enjoys spending time outdoors and running. Matthew is part of the University of Portland's cross-country team.
Laura Dennis, B.S., research coordinator and data analyst
Laura holds a B.S. in bioengineering from Oregon State University and works at several labs at 博彩网站 and the Portland VA. She has worked in the BRAIN Lab for 10 years, using multi-modal neuroimaging techniques to study the effects of methamphetamine and alcohol use disorders on the brain. Outside the lab, Laura enjoys cuddling with her mini dachshund, Timbers games and travel.
Jazryn Nagum, B.A., senior research associate
Jazryn holds a B.A. in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. Her research interests include substance use and the relationship between pain and cognitive function.
Wesley Ng, B.S., research assistant
Wesley holds a B.S. in biology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. In the BRAIN Lab, he works on projects studying sex-based differences and neuroinflammation related to substance use. He is interested in clinical medicine and understanding addiction pathways and treatments. Outside the lab, Wesley enjoys playing video games, trying new food spots and hiking.
Esteban Rigales, B.A., research assistant
Esteban holds a B.A. in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. He is interested in the relationship between substance use and mental illness, and the neurobiology of personality disorders. Outside of the lab, Esteban enjoys fishing, camping and cooking.
Melissa Steinert, B.S., research assistant
Melissa holds a B.S. in biology from the University of Portland. Her interests include neuroscience and nuclear medicine. Outside the lab, she enjoys drawing, catching crabs, and watching bad TV shows.
Maja Strusinska-Thayer, B.S., research assistant
Maja holds a B.S. in biology graduated with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Portland. She is a clinical research assistant for 博彩网站's Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, and a volunteer in the BRAIN Lab.
Sophia Swain, B.S., B.A., research assistant
Sophia holds a B.A. in psychology and a B.S. in biology with a minor in neuroscience, both from the University of Portland. Her research interests include substance use and understanding its role in daily functioning. Outside of the lab, Sophia loves exploring the Pacific Northwest and watching nature documentaries.
Contact us
Volunteer for research
Join one of our studies:
- ABSTAIN, a study of sex differences in alcohol use disorders
- IBUDILAST, a clinical trial for a treatment for meth use disorder
Call 503-721-7964 to learn more.