Imaging interactions between stress hormones and opioid receptors in cocaine use disorder

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 utilizes [C-11]NOP-1A positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate the interactions between nociceptive opioid peptide (NOP) receptors and cortisol/corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) and healthy controls. It aims to understand how these interactions may predict relapse in CUD patients by examining neurochemical changes associated with stress and resilience. Participants will undergo baseline and post-hydrocortisone PET scans to assess NOP receptor binding and its response to stress. The findings could provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying relapse in CUD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Cocaine use disorders (CUD)

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, MDMA, etc., 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

Healthy Controls (HC)

1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old
2. No present or past DSM-5 disorders (other than nicotine dependence)
3. Criteria 5 to 9 as listed previously.

Where it's running

• University of Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rajesh Narendran, MD — 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.

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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.