Actively Recruiting
The Effects of Single-dose Losartan on Social Processing in Healthy Adults: a Randomized Controlled Study
Led by University of Oxford · Updated on 2025-07-28
68
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Oxford
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute for Health Research, United Kingdom
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are examining how a single dose of losartan (50 mg) compared to a placebo affects social processing in healthy adults aged 18 to 50 years. The study focuses on the brain's renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which may influence social functioning and emotional disorders. This early-phase randomized, double-blind trial seeks to understand losartan's possible role in social cognitive processes. Participants receive either a single dose of losartan or a matching placebo capsule. After one hour, they complete various computer-based tasks designed to assess social behaviors and cognitive flexibility. These tasks include the Approach Avoidance Task, Interpretation Inflexibility Task, Social Learning Trust Game, and Cyberball to measure social approach, avoidance, learning, and reaction to social rejection. During the study visit, participants undergo assessments of social processing through these tasks about one hour after taking the capsule. Researchers measure outcomes such as social approach-avoidance responses and sensitivity to social rejection. The trial includes thorough screening for health and psychological conditions, and it monitors participant safety throughout. The total participation includes the screening and a single study visit lasting several hours.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Losartan and Social Processing
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Aged 18-50 years
- Sufficient written and spoken English skills to understand the study and complete questionnaires
- Non- or light-smoker (5 cigarettes a day or less; if vaping, less than 50 puffs daily)
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 30
You will not qualify if you...
- Current DSM-5 axis-I diagnosis or history of severe psychological disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, alcohol or substance abuse, or PTSD
- First-degree family member with severe psychiatric illness including psychosis, bipolar disorder, or unipolar psychotic depression
- Use of CNS medication in the last 6 weeks
- Current blood pressure or heart medication use, including aliskiren and beta blockers
- Diagnosis of intravascular fluid depletion or dehydration
- History of angioedema
- Impaired kidney function
- Very low blood pressure (repeated measurements below 90/50 mmHg)
- Lifetime history of epilepsy or neurological disorders such as autism or ADHD
- History of systemic infection or significant hepatic, cardiac, respiratory, renal, cerebrovascular, metabolic, endocrine, or pulmonary disease that may affect safety or study results
- Significant hearing loss not corrected with a hearing device
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
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 receive a single dose of losartan or placebo and complete social processing computer tasks after a waiting period.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Warneford Hospital
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, OX37JX
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Andrea Reinecke, PhD
D
Divya Prasad, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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