How ketamine and propofol affect brain activity, memory, and pain
Official title: Ketamine and Propofol NeuroImaging
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT07294092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether ketamine and propofol, given alone and in different orders, change brain activity, connectivity, and next-day memory in healthy adults aged 18–59.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07294092 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18–59 without chronic medical, neurologic, or psychiatric conditions, with no MRI contraindications and not pregnant or trying to conceive, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with chronic pain or frequent pain medication use, significant medical or psychiatric illnesses, sleep apnea, metal implants, pregnancy, or BMI over 35 are unlikely to qualify and may not benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy adults will attend eight visits: four drug-administration sessions (two with MRI, two with EEG) and four next-day memory testing visits without drugs. In each drug session participants receive both ketamine and propofol in one of two randomized orders (one drug alone followed by the two together), with both EEG and MRI sessions using the same randomized orderings. Peripheral nerve stimulation will be used during recordings to probe pain perception while brain activity and connectivity are measured. Imaging, EEG, and memory performance will be compared across drug conditions and orders to identify drug-specific and order-dependent effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could improve understanding of how ketamine and propofol affect memory and pain processing and help guide safer anesthesia practices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous neuroimaging work has shown that ketamine and propofol each alter brain connectivity and cognition, but directly comparing both drugs and their order effects across randomized MRI and EEG sessions is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18-59 years of age, who: * have none of the specific exclusion criteria * have a valid email address and valid phone number throughout the study * free from any non-MRI compatible implants Exclusion Criteria: * are pregnant or attempting to conceive * body mass index (BMI) \> 35 * significant memory impairment or hearing loss * sleep apnea * chronic pain or frequently taking pain medication * chronic medical conditions requiring treatment (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol) * neurologic disease, including seizures and tremor * psychiatric diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, panic, or PTSD * a history of any of these medical conditions: abnormal heartbeats (cardiac conduction abnormality or arrhythmia), liver or kidney disease, or significant lung disease * severe claustrophobia or intolerance of an MRI * have metal implants or non-removable metal piercings * having a history of adverse reaction to ketamine or propofol * daily alcohol or heavy alcohol use; history of alcohol abuse * current daily smoker * regular or recent marijuana use (including prescribed/medical marijuana) * illicit drug use, i.e., street drugs * regularly taking: antiepileptics, antidepressants, anti-psychotics, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, or sleep-aids
Where it's running
-
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Keith M Vogt, MD, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Keith M Vogt, MD, PhD
- Email: kev18@pitt.edu
- Phone: 4126473147
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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.