Actively Recruiting
Beta-Adrenergic Modulation of Drug Cue Reactivity: Neural and Behavioral Mechanisms
Led by University of Oklahoma · Updated on 2026-04-28
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Oklahoma
Lead Sponsor
O
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of a beta-adrenergic antagonist (Propranolol; 40 mg immediate release) and a nicotine patch (14 mg) on brain and behavior responses to smoking cues in people who currently smoke cigarettes. This study aims to understand how these medications, given alone and together, influence the urge to smoke when exposed to smoking-related triggers. It is a basic experimental study where participants will not be attempting to quit smoking or taking the medications long-term. Participants will attend four neuroimaging sessions lasting about 5 hours each. During these visits, they will receive either an active or placebo nicotine patch and an active or placebo dose of propranolol. After being given a standard meal, heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored while participants complete questionnaires and undergo MRI scans. During the MRI, they will view images related to smoking and non-smoking objects to assess brain activity. Throughout the study, participants' craving levels, brain activation patterns, and connectivity between brain regions in response to smoking cues will be measured. Researchers will monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and collect questionnaire data during visits. The study will last up to about four imaging sessions, with safety and adherence checked during each visit. The goal is to better understand the neural and behavioral mechanisms behind smoking urges triggered by environmental cues.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Beta-Adrenergic Modulation of Drug Cue Reactivity
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Generally healthy
- Age 21 to 60 years
- Right-handed based on a three-item scale
- Daily smoker of at least 5 cigarettes per day delivering 0.5 mg nicotine
- Smoking regularly for at least 1 year with stable smoking for the past 6 months
- Afternoon expired Carbon Monoxide (CO) concentration of 6 ppm or higher and/or morning urinary cotinine greater than 100 ng/ml
- Identifies at least 4 different smoking locations used in a typical week
- Able to read and understand English
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to attend all required study sessions
- Significant health problems preventing participation
- Conditions making MRI unsafe (e.g., pacemaker) or due to weight and body shape
- Current use of psychoactive medications or drugs based on self-report or urine screen
- Positive breath alcohol concentration
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study (females)
- Vision problems not correctable with glasses or contacts
- Current regular use of smokeless tobacco, smoking cessation medications, or other nicotine products like e-cigarettes
- Current use of beta-adrenergic or other blood pressure medications
- Systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg or diastolic below 60 mmHg (sitting or standing)
- Abnormal EKG
- Severe anemia
- Electrolyte imbalance affecting blood pressure
- Any other contraindications for propranolol or nicotine patch such as cardiovascular disease, bronchial asthma, allergic reactions, or diabetes
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Four visits over the course of the study
Participants attend four neuroimaging appointments where they are fitted with either a nicotine or placebo patch, receive propranolol or placebo, complete questionnaires, and have heart rate and blood pressure monitored. During each visit, participants undergo MRI scans including resting and task-based scans involving viewing smoking-related and non-smoking images.
4 visits (in-person, each lasting approximately 5 hours)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States, 74136
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jason A Oliver, PhD
I
Isabel Brush, B.A.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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