The primary objective of this study is to understand the functional significance of the human LC-NE system. To this end, we will acquire fMRI data and behavioral responses of 16 healthy adults (aged 18-30 years) in each of three experiments.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
gezonde brein
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Brain activation as measured by MRI
Secondary outcome
N/A
Background summary
Animal research has indicated an important role for the neuromodulatory locus
coeruleus*norepinephrine (LC-NE) system in the optimization of performance and
the regulation of the exploration-exploitation tradeoff. There have been very
few empirical studies of LC-NE function in humans, in part because of the
methodological challenges involved. Recent MRI research has identified a scan
sequence that reliably visualizes the LC in individual subjects (Shibata et
al., 2008). This has removed the most important obstacle for functional imaging
studies of the LC using fMRI.
Study objective
The primary objective of this study is to understand the functional
significance of the human LC-NE system. To this end, we will acquire fMRI data
and behavioral responses of 16 healthy adults (aged 18-30 years) in each of
three experiments.
Study design
We will measure functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals while
subjects respond with button-presses to simple stimulus sequences displayed on
a screen. The effect of task manipulations on fMRI will be assessed.
Study burden and risks
There are no known risks associated with participating in an MRI study. This is
a noninvasive technique involving no catheterizations or introduction of
exogenous tracers. Numerous children and adults have undergone magnetic
resonance studies without apparent harmful consequences. Some people become
claustrophobic while inside the magnet and in these cases the study will be
terminated immediately at the subject's request. The only absolute
contraindications to MRI studies are the presence of metal in the body, like
intracranial or intraocular metal, or a pacemaker. Relative contraindications
include pregnancy and claustrophobia. Subjects who may be pregnant, who may
have any metal in their body will be excluded because of potential
contraindications of MRI in such subjects.
Although there is no direct benefit to the participants in the proposed
research, there are possible benefits to society from the potential knowledge
gained from this study: This study will be the first functional imaging study
of human LC function. Our study will clear the way LC functional imaging
studies in patient populations known to have disturbed noradrenergic function,
which might lead to a better understanding of the pathology.
Wassenaarseweg 52
2333 AK Leiden
NL
Wassenaarseweg 52
2333 AK Leiden
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Adults subjects (18-30 years of age) with no history of neurological disorder/disease and no counter-indications to
MRI will be included in this study. All participants will be right-handed native Dutch speakers with normal vision or
contact lenses
Exclusion criteria
Potential participants will be prescreened for contraindications for fMRI, which include metal implants, heart arrhythmia, claustrophobia, and possible pregnancy. They will additionally be prescreened for head trauma, history of neurological or psychiatric illness and/or use of psychotropic medications. Finally, left-handed individuals will be excluded from the study because some
left-handers have substantially different brain organization relative to right-handers.
Design
Recruitment
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 |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL29341.058.09 |