Imaging CRF X NOP Interactions in CUD

Launched by RAJESH NARENDRAN · Aug 13, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how certain brain receptors, called nociceptive opioid peptide (NOP) receptors, interact with cortisol and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in people with cocaine use disorder (CUD). Researchers are using a type of brain imaging called PET scans to see these interactions. They hope to understand if changes in this interaction could help predict if someone with CUD might relapse, or start using cocaine again after stopping. The study is currently recruiting participants, including individuals with CUD and healthy controls for comparison.

To be eligible for the study, participants with CUD need to be between 18 and 55 years old and meet specific mental health criteria. They should not have any other current mental health disorders or substance abuse issues. Healthy controls must also be within the same age range and have no significant past or present mental health issues, aside from nicotine dependence. Participants can expect to undergo brain imaging and complete assessments during the study. It's important to note that individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions cannot participate. If you or someone you know fits these eligibility criteria and is interested in contributing to this research, it could be an important opportunity to help advance understanding of cocaine use disorder.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Cocaine use disorders (CUD)
• • 1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old
• • 2. Fulfil DSM-5 criteria for cocaine use disorder
• • 3. No other current DSM-5 psychiatric or addictive disorders (such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, etc.,)
• • 4. No current abuse (six months) of opiates, sedative-hypnotics, amphetamines, MDMA, etc., as well as moderate to severe alcohol or cannabis use (twice a week). Nicotine use will be quantified and controlled between groups using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (Heatherton et al., 1991);
• • 5. Not currently on prescription medical or psychotropic medications
• • 6. No current or past severe medical, endocrine or neurological illnesses including glaucoma, seizure disorders, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia as assessed by a complete medical history and physical
• • 7. Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• • 8. No history of significant radioactivity exposure in past year from another research study or occupation that exceeds RDRC guidelines
• • 9. No metallic objects in the body that are contraindicated for MRI
• • Healthy Controls (HC)
• • 1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old
• • 2. No present or past DSM-5 disorders (other than nicotine dependence)
• • 3. Criteria 5 to 9 as listed previously.