Imaging cannabinoid receptors in the brain using PET scans

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the availability of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) in the human brain using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. It will involve healthy individuals and those with various conditions, including cannabis use disorders, schizophrenia, prodromal psychotic illness, family history of alcoholism, and PTSD. Participants will undergo PET scans with the radioligand OMAR to characterize the number and distribution of CB1R in these conditions. The study may expand its focus based on pilot data and emerging research on cannabinoid receptor function and psychiatric disorders.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Males ages 18-55
* For cannabis users:
* Willing to abstain from cannabis use for four weeks
* For schizophrenia:
* Meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
* For prodrome for psychotic illness:
* Meets SIPS criteria for prodromal syndrome
* For family history positive:
* First degree relative with alcoholism
* For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
* Meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for PTSD
* For OUD
* Meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for Opioid Use Disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current neuro-psychiatric illness (including cannabis dependence) or severe systemic disease. Cannabis use disorder is permitted in the cannabis dependent group. Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is permitted in the schizophrenia group. Psychotic symptoms are permitted in the prodromal group. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is permitted in the PTSD group and Opioid Use Disorder is permitted in the OUD group.
* Presence of ferromagnetic metal in the body or heart pacemaker
* Have had exposure to ionizing radiation that in combination with the study tracer would result in a cumulative exposure that exceeds recommended exposure limits
* Are claustrophobic

Where it's running

• Connecticut Mental Health Center, Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit
  New Haven, Connecticut, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Deepak C D'Souza, MD — Yale University
• Study coordinator: Alex Selloni, BA
• Email: alexandria.selloni@yale.edu
• Phone: 203-974-7489

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.