Human olfactory amygdala subregions and their responses to smells
Characterization of Human Olfactory Amygdala Subregions Experiment 3
NA · Northwestern University · NCT07060651
This research will test how different parts of the human amygdala respond to smells by presenting odors while recording and stimulating brain activity in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT07060651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project aims to map the functions of amygdala subregions that receive direct input from the olfactory bulb. Investigators will present controlled odors to adult volunteers while recording and, in some cases, delivering targeted brain stimulation to measure subregion-specific responses. Results will compare response patterns across subregions to clarify distinct roles in human olfactory processing and relate those patterns to prior animal findings. All procedures will be conducted in-person at Northwestern's human olfaction lab using established odor presentation and neurophysiological recording methods.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (age 18 and older) who can attend in-person visits at Northwestern and are willing to undergo odor presentation and noninvasive brain recording and stimulation procedures.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment for smell loss or psychiatric conditions should not expect direct therapeutic benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve understanding of smell-related brain circuits and eventually inform better diagnosis or targeted treatments for olfactory and emotion-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related rodent studies have demonstrated distinct olfactory functions across amygdala subregions, but comparable human experiments using odor presentation with direct brain recording and stimulation are limited and relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * older than 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- 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 participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Human Olfactory Amygdala Function