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Imaging Synapses With [11C] UCB-J in the Human Brain
Not Recruiting
Trial ID: NCT04038840
Purpose
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.
Official Title
Imaging Synapses With [11C] UCB-J in the Human Brain
Stanford Investigator(s)
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 - 65 years in age
- For SZ participants:
- On a stable medication regimen for at least two weeks prior to testing
- A clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective
disorder
- Able to complete a PET-MR scan without the use of sedation
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active substance use within three months of testing
- IQ < 70
- Major medical neurological illness or significant head trauma
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Contraindication to MR scanning, including magnetic-resonance incompatible metal or
hardware including pacemakers, cochlear implants, and bullets near a critical organ
- Weight > 350 lbs or a large body habitus that MR scanner cannot accommodate
- History of or current claustrophobia
- Inability to comply with basic study requirements such as following directions and
punctuality
- For HC participants:
- Presence of a first degree relative with a psychotic disorder
- Lifetime diagnosis of major psychiatric illness
- For SZ participants:
- Unstable psychiatric symptoms at the time of testing, e.g. acute suicidality,
prominent psychosis, or behavioral dyscontrol
Intervention(s):
drug: [11C]UCB-J radiotracer
device: PET-MR
Not Recruiting
Contact Information
Stanford University
School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford,
CA
94305