Imaging dopamine release in cocaine use disorders 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 employs [C-11]NPA positron emission tomography (PET) to visualize dopamine release in the striatum during a d-amphetamine challenge in individuals with cocaine use disorders. By correlating the dopamine release data with baseline measurements of nociceptive opioid peptide receptors, the study aims to uncover neurochemical abnormalities that contribute to relapse in cocaine addiction. The research focuses on understanding the balance between brain stress and resilience systems, which may lead to the development of new medications to prevent relapse in affected individuals.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old
2. Fulfil DSM-5 criteria for cocaine use disorder
3. No other current DSM-5 psychiatric or addictive disorders (such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, etc.,)
4. No current abuse (six months) of opiates, sedative-hypnotics, amphetamines, and MDMA as well as moderate to severe alcohol or cannabis use (twice a week). Nicotine use will be quantified and controlled between groups using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (Heatherton et al., 1991);
5. Not currently on prescription medical or psychotropic medications
6. No current or past severe medical, endocrine or neurological illnesses including glaucoma, seizure disorders, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia as assessed by a complete medical history and physical
7. Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
8. No history of significant radioactivity exposure in past year from another research study or occupation that exceeds RDRC guidelines
9. No metallic objects in the body that are contraindicated for MRI
10. No baseline BP ≥ 140/90 and/or HR ≥ 100.
11. No first-degree relative with an MI or stroke prior to middle age
12. No first-degree relative with psychosis or mania.
13. Completed a baseline \[11C\]NOP-1A PET scan in Aim 1 (Study Record: Imaging CRF X NOP interactions in Cocaine Use Disorders)

Where it's running

• University of PIttsburgh
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rajesh Narendran — University of Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Rajesh Narendran, MD
• Email: narendranr@upmc.edu
• Phone: 4126475176

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• HD-tDCS during CBT for Cocaine Use Disorder

  This study tests whether adding high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation to cognitive behavioral therapy helps adults with cocaine use disorder see if CBT works better.

  Recruiting Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, Virginia · NCT07829263

• Imaging Brain Mitochondrial Complex-I in Cocaine Use Disorder

  This study uses a PET scan with [F-18]BCPP-EF to see how mitochondrial Complex-I activity in the brain differs between people with cocaine use disorder and healthy controls.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 University of Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · NCT07773649

• Mild electrical brain stimulation (tDCS) with cognitive training to reduce cocaine cravings.

  This trial will test whether brief sessions of mild electrical brain stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive reappraisal training can lower craving in adults receiving inpatient treatment for cocaine use disorder.

  Recruiting Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, New York · NCT07318480

• Clonidine to reduce craving in hospitalized people with cocaine or crack use disorder

  This will try clonidine versus clonazepam to see if clonidine lowers craving in people hospitalized for cocaine or crack use disorder.

  Recruiting Phase 4 University of Sao Paulo General Hospital · São Paulo, São Paulo · NCT07313371

• Semaglutide plus cognitive behavioral therapy for cocaine use disorder

  This trial will test whether adding semaglutide (a GLP-1 medication) to cognitive behavioral therapy helps adults with cocaine use disorder reduce craving and use.

  Recruiting Phase 2 The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Houston, Texas · NCT07227948

• How cocaine use and stopping affects sleep and daily rhythms

  This study tries to see how cocaine use and stopping change sleep and circadian rhythms in adults entering supervised inpatient detoxification.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hôpital le Vinatier · Bron, AURA and 2 other locations · NCT07119567

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.