Actively Recruiting
Brain Metabolism Observed at 3 Tesla or 7 Tesla in Health and Metabolic Disease
Led by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Updated on 2026-06-01
20
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying brain metabolism by monitoring the citric acid cycle using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at magnetic field strengths of 7 Tesla and 3 Tesla. The study aims to develop a method to track how certain molecules like glucose, lactate, and pyruvate are labeled with 13C and oxidized in the brain, comparing individuals with Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome (G1D) and healthy controls. Participants will undergo an infusion of 13C-labeled glucose, after which NMR spectroscopy will be performed to observe metabolite levels immediately at both 7T and 3T field strengths. During the same visit, participants may also have a 7T or 3T MRI scan to examine brain structure and correlate it with the metabolic data collected. Those taking part will be assessed through imaging scans and blood analysis to measure the labeled metabolites and related compounds. The study measures include the abundance of select metabolites immediately following the isotope infusion. Participants are monitored for safety and cooperation during the scans, and the total involvement spans the time needed on the day of the infusion and imaging procedures.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Metabolism Observed at 3 Tesla or 7 Tesla in Health and Metabolic Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Subjects aged 16 to 80 years
- Good general health as shown by normal vital signs and no acute illness symptoms, or genetically confirmed Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome
- Persons with dental fillings, dental crowns, and short dental retainer wires (maximum 4 cm) may participate
You will not qualify if you...
- Uncontrolled grand mal seizures within the last 3 months
- Pregnant females; pregnancy test required for females of childbearing potential
- Implanted orthopedic metal near the radio frequency coil area may be excluded
- Presence of ICD, pacemakers, neurostimulators, or similar devices
- Claustrophobia
- Questionable ferrous implants, bullets, BBs, or shrapnel
- Inability to fluently speak English
- Following a ketogenic diet
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 - 1 day
Participants undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at either 3 Tesla or 7 Tesla field strength along with 13C-labeled isotope infusion to observe brain metabolism and correlate spectroscopy with brain structure.
1 imaging visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States, 10065
Actively Recruiting
2
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, United States, 75390
Terminated
Research Team
J
Juan M Pascual, M.D.
R
Rocio Moron Ares, B.S.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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