Exploring brain inflammation in neuropsychiatric conditions
Official title: Identifying Correlates of Brain Microglial Activation in Neuropsychiatric Syndromes: a Dimensional Approach
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT03705715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if brain inflammation is linked to the severity of symptoms in people with mood disorders, chronic pain, dementia, and substance abuse.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | August 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03705715 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-80 with a diagnosis of a neuropsychiatric syndrome or healthy controls without any psychiatric illness.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are smokers, pregnant, or have claustrophobia may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research aims to investigate the extent of brain microglial activation, which is associated with inflammation, in individuals exhibiting symptoms of neuropsychiatric syndromes such as mood disorders, chronic pain, dementia, and substance abuse. Using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with specific radiotracers, the study will assess whether the level of microglial activation correlates with the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study will also examine specific brain regions affected by this activation and how combinations of neuropsychiatric symptoms relate to immune responses in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric syndromes by targeting inflammation in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of brain inflammation in neuropsychiatric conditions, suggesting this approach has potential.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be between 18-80 years old * Males or females * Must be right handed * Must be able to sit unaccompanied for long periods of time with little body movement * Must be illicit drug free at time of scanning as appropriate (UDS negative), * Must be either healthy (without medical, neurological, psychiatric illness) or have a diagnosis of a neuropsychiatric syndrome (mood disorder, chronic pain syndrome, dementias, traumatic brain injury, substance/alcohol use disorder). * Healthy Control volunteers must be medication free (≥ 14 days) * Illicit drug free at time of scanning (verified by negative urine drug screen) Exclusion Criteria: * Must not be a smoker. * Females must not be pregnant or nursing. * Must not suffer from claustrophobia * Must not meet exclusion criteria for MRI scanning (i.e. non-fixed magnetisable objects) * Must not be PBR-28 low affinity binder (or using the \[11C\]ER176 study radiotracer) * Healthy control volunteers must not have on-going, chronic, or relapsing/remitting medical, psychiatric (absence of both DSM-IV Axis I and/or Axis II disorders), or neurological illness as determined by combination of history, medical record, and/or examination.
Where it's running
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BBSB at UTHealth
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alan Prossin, MBBS — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Alan Prossin, MBBS
- Email: alan.prossin@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-486-2836
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.