The Role of Potassium Channels in Working Memory Impairments of Chronic Cocaine Users

Chronic cocaine use is associated with impairments in cognitive functions, particularly in working memory, which are thought to contribute to the persistence of addictive behaviors and high relapse rates. Despite the clinical relevance of these cognitive deficits, the underlying neuropharmacological mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that potassium channels may play an important role in the regulation of neuronal excitability and cognitive processes, including working memory. However, their contribution to cognitive impairments in individuals with cocaine use disorder has not yet been systematically investigated in humans. The present study aims to investigate the role of potassium channel modulation in working memory performance in individuals with chronic cocaine use. The study addresses the following key research questions: (1) Does modulation of potassium channels influence working memory performance in individuals with chronic cocaine use? and (2) How are potential effects related to behavioral responses observed during the experimental sessions? To address these questions, a randomized, controlled, cross-over study will be conducted in participants with a history of chronic cocaine use. Participants will complete a series of neurocognitive tasks assessing working memory and related cognitive domains under controlled experimental conditions. Blood samples will be collected at multiple time points to quantify substance levels and to support the interpretation of behavioral findings. The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments in cocaine use and inform future research on cognitive dysfunction in substance use disorders.