1) To investigate if it is possibility to measure neural activation (CBF) in the DA brain stem nuclei and the functionally associated brain regions with ASL. 2) To investigate the effect of increased DA on activation in the DA system during resting…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Cognitive and attention disorders and disturbances
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
1) Regional cerebral blood flow (method: arterial spin labeling MRI) during
resting state in the cortex, sub cortical and brain stem regions.
2) Regional blood oxygenated level dependent (BOLD) response (method: BOLD
functional MRI) during resting state and during task performance, in the
cortex, sub cortical and brain stem regions.
3) Task performance; the number of correct response and the reaction time.
Secondary outcome
1) The levels of Ritalinic acid in the blood
2) Mood and physical complaints (method: questionnaire)
3) Hart and breathing rate (assessed during the scan session)
Background summary
Dopamine (DA), a brain chemical that modulates the signaling between brain
neurons (neurotransmitter), is known to be involved in reward and punishment
processing. DA is released by DA neurons (located in the DA nuclei in the brain
stem) into cortical and sub cortical projection regions. D*Ardenne et al.
(2008) showed that with an adapted MRI sequence it is possible to measure the
blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response (indirect measure for neuronal
activation) in the DA nuclei. Since the BOLD response is confounded by drug
induced changes in the neurovascular response, further methodological
improvements are needed to be able to study the effects of drugs on activation
in the DA nuclei. In this study, we will use arterial spin labeling (ASL), a
noninvasive method to measures cerebral blood flow (CBF), to investigate the
functioning of the DA system (nuclei and projection regions) during resting
state. When the BOLD response is complimented with baseline CBF measures, the
interpretation of drug induced changes in BOLD response can be improved.
So far, it is unknown what the effects of a DA stimulant are on the
activation of the DA system. In this study, we will investigate the effects of
methylphenidate (MPH; Ritalin) on the activation of the DA system (brain stem
nuclei and projection regions) during resting state and during the performance
of a task that is known to increase the activation of the DA system: a gambling
task in which the participants receive unexpected high rewards.
Thirdly, previous research has shown that personality characteristics
can interact with the effects of drugs on brain activation during task
performance.
Study objective
1) To investigate if it is possibility to measure neural activation (CBF) in
the DA brain stem nuclei and the functionally associated brain regions with
ASL.
2) To investigate the effect of increased DA on activation in the DA system
during resting state
3) To investigate the effect of increased DA on brain activation during reward
and punishment processing.
4) To investigate the relation between the personality trait *reward
dependence* and the effect of increased DA, on the functioning of the DA
system.
Study design
This study has have a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled design.
Study burden and risks
Before inclusion the participants will complete a medical questionnaire (15
min) and will undergo a medical screening (45 min; two blood samples, a urine
sample and an electrocardiogram). When included, the participants will visit
the laboratory three times: for a training session (1 hour) and two test
sessions (3.5 hours each). During each test session the participants will
complete two questionnaires (5 min) at two different time and will perform a
cognitive tasks (36 min) inside the MRI scanner (scan session in total 75 min).
Furthermore in each test session two blood samples will be taken. In total, the
study will take 9 hours to complete. The participants will be paid in total 74
euros as compensation.
The risk sof MRI scanning and the administration of methylphenidate are
negligible.
Universiteitssingel 40
6200 MD Maastricht
Nederland
Universiteitssingel 40
6200 MD Maastricht
Nederland
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Good health, right-handedness, male, between 23 and 35 years of age, no history of mental illnesses or neurological disorders, no history of drug or alcohol abuse, no use of medication.
Exclusion criteria
MRI contra-indications, such as claustrophobia and metal parts in the body, cardiovascular abnormalities as assessed by standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), excessive drinking and hypertension.
Design
Recruitment
Medical products/devices used
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| EudraCT | EUCTR2009-014731-20-NL |
| CCMO | NL29192.068.09 |
| Other | Not yet received |