Actively Recruiting
Advanced Functional and Structural MRI Techniques for Neuropharmacological Imaging
Led by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) · Updated on 2026-06-05
1000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are developing and evaluating advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) techniques to better understand the brain's function and structure, especially related to drug addiction. The study aims to improve how brain activity, metabolism, and biochemistry are measured, which may help reveal how addiction changes the brain and influence future treatment strategies. Both healthy individuals and drug users are involved to develop and test these imaging methods. The study includes several experimental groups focusing on different MRI and brain stimulation techniques. Participants may undergo multiple visits involving up to four MRI scan sessions lasting about two hours each, with some experiments lasting between 2 to 8 hours. Devices such as the MagPro X100 Magnetic Stimulator, Transcranial Rotating Magnetic Stimulator (TRPMS), and Magnetom Prisma Fit 3T Scanner are used to study brain activity and responses to tasks or stimulation. Tasks during scans and specific brain stimulation protocols like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are part of the study to observe brain responses and changes. Participants will complete questionnaires on drug use, provide breath and urine samples, and undergo blood draws before scanning sessions. The MRI scans include both resting and task-based imaging, sometimes combined with controlled administration of carbon dioxide or brain stimulation techniques. Researchers will measure brain function, structure, and chemistry changes related to addiction and responses to neuromodulation. The study tracks outcomes such as improved imaging techniques and brain activity markers, with a total participation period varying by experiment and visit schedule.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Advanced Functional and Structural MRI Techniques for Neuropharmacological Imaging
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male and non-pregnant female adults between the ages of 18 and 80
- Generally healthy individuals
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Smokers, non-smokers, drug users, and non-drug users are eligible
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnant women (confirmed by urine pregnancy tests before each session)
- Individuals unable to undergo MRI due to implanted metallic devices or claustrophobia
- Those with major medical illnesses affecting data, such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or HIV
- Current major psychiatric disorders including mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
- Severe neurological illnesses or history of significant brain injury or disease
- Non-English speakers
- Cognitive impairment affecting informed consent
- Unsuitable for non-invasive brain stimulation based on TMS safety screening
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 4 visits per participant
Participants take part in pulse sequence development, testing, and parameter optimization through multiple MRI scan sessions to develop and evaluate advanced neuroimaging techniques.
Up to 4 visits with up to 2 MRI scan sessions per visit, not exceeding 4 total scan hours per visit
Duration - Single session lasting about 6 to 8 hours
Participants undergo task-based and TMS-fMRI scans to evaluate brain activation and cortical excitability using different stimulation intensities while EMG is recorded.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session lasting about 2 to 2.5 hours
Participants receive transcranial rapid rotating permanent magnetic stimulation with varying session lengths and have motor responses measured before and after stimulation to assess prolonged effects.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session lasting about 5 to 6 hours
Participants complete baseline and post-TRPMS TMS-fMRI sessions with simultaneous EMG recording to evaluate cortical excitability changes caused by TRPMS stimulation applied between sessions.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institute on Drug Abuse, Biomedical Research Center (BRC)
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21224
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
NIDA IRP Screening Team
Y
Yihong Yang, Ph.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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