Actively Recruiting
Imaging Synapses With [11C] UCB-J in the Human Brain
Led by Davidzon, Guido, M.D. · Updated on 2024-12-16
60
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
330 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
D
Davidzon, Guido, M.D.
Lead Sponsor
W
Weston Havens Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to utilize the radioactive positron emission tomography (PET) tracer \[11C\]UCB-J to test the neural synaptic pruning hypothesis of schizophrenia. This imaging method allows for the quantification of synaptic density in the living human brain and has the unprecedented ability to directly examine the synaptic pathology underlying neuropsychiatric disease. The neural synaptic pruning hypothesis posits that a key pathogenic process of schizophrenia is the over-exuberant elimination of neural synapses during development. The confirmation of reduced synaptic density in schizophrenia as evidenced by \[11C\]UCB-J has the potential to lead to a number of ground-breaking clinical innovations, such as laboratory-based diagnostics and prognostics, and novel, disease-modifying treatments.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Imaging Synapses With [11C] UCB-J in the Human Brain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- For schizophrenia participants: on a stable medication regimen for at least two weeks before testing
- For schizophrenia participants: clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective disorder
- For schizophrenia participants: able to complete a PET-MR scan without sedation
You will not qualify if you...
- Active substance use within three months before testing
- IQ less than 70
- Major medical neurological illness or significant head trauma
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Contraindications to MR scanning, including incompatible metal or devices such as pacemakers or cochlear implants
- Weight over 350 lbs or body size that cannot fit in the MR scanner
- History or current claustrophobia
- Inability to follow study requirements such as directions and punctuality
- For healthy controls: presence of a first-degree relative with a psychotic disorder
- For healthy controls: lifetime diagnosis of major psychiatric illness
- For schizophrenia participants: unstable psychiatric symptoms at testing, including acute suicidality, prominent psychosis, or behavioral dyscontrol
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Palo Alto, California, United States, 94304
Actively Recruiting
2
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States, 94305
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Study Coordinator
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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