MRS Measurement of Glutamate and GABA Metabolism in Brain

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH) · Apr 22, 2005

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the brain processes important chemicals called neurotransmitters, specifically glutamate (which helps send signals in the brain) and GABA (which helps calm signals down). Researchers will use a special imaging technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to watch how a substance derived from glucose is turned into these neurotransmitters. This study aims to deepen our understanding of brain function in healthy individuals.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 18 and 65 years old, in good health, and able to provide written consent. You should not have any significant medical conditions, a history of certain neurological illnesses, or be on specific medications that affect your brain. If you qualify and decide to take part, you'll be asked to lie still for about two and a half hours while the MRS is performed. This research could help scientists learn more about normal brain activity, which can be beneficial for developing treatments for various conditions in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • 18-65 years of age
• • Able to give written informed consent
• • Healthy based on medical history and physical exam
• • Enrolled in Protocol 01-M-0254 or Protocol 17-M-0181
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Any current Axis 1 diagnosis
• • Clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
• • Positive HIV test
• • Metallic foreign bodies that would be affected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet, or fear of enclosed spaces likely to make the subject unable to undergo an MRI scan.
• • History of neurological illness or injury with the potential to affect study data interpretation, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson s disease, seizure disorder or traumatic brain injury
• • Prescription psychotropic medication; drug free less than 8 weeks (anticholinergics, benzodiazepine, fluoxetine, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants)
• • Serious medical illness as determined from H\&P or laboratory testing including Diabetes
• • Inability to lie flat on camera bed for about two and a half hours
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding
• • Current substance use disorder based on DSM-5
• • NIMH employees and staff and their immediate family members will be excluded from the study per NIMH policy.