How different parts of the human amygdala respond to smells
Official title: Characterization of Human Olfactory Amygdala Subregions
Run by Northwestern University · NCT07074574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether different amygdala subregions in adults respond differently to odors when measured with fMRI.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07074574 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 and older who can tolerate fMRI scanning and controlled odor exposures are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People seeking immediate treatment or symptom relief should not expect direct clinical benefit from participation because the study is focused on basic brain mapping.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will present controlled odors to adult participants while recording brain activity with high-resolution functional MRI to map responses in amygdala subregions that receive direct input from the olfactory bulb. The protocol will compare activity patterns across odor types and contextual conditions to link subregions to specific olfactory behaviors. The work uses advanced imaging and controlled odor delivery at a single site to address limitations of prior human studies that treated the amygdala as a single unit. Results are intended to bridge findings from rodent models and provide a finer-grained map of human olfactory-amygdala function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how specific amygdala subregions process smells and guide future approaches for smell-related, social, or affective disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies have shown distinct olfactory roles for amygdala subregions, but human investigations that separate these subregions are limited, so this is relatively novel in humans.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * older than 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where it's running
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Northwestern human olfaction lab
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christina Zelano, PhD
- Email: c-zelano@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-503-4437
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.