Imaging oxidative metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain
Official title: Imaging Oxidative Metabolism and Neurotransmitter Synthesis in the Human Brain
Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT03849963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether two types of hyperpolarized 13C‑pyruvate MRI scans can reliably measure brain energy use and neurotransmitter-related metabolism in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 30, 2030 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03849963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18–60 with no neurological abnormalities, no MRI contraindications, and the ability to read/speak English are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
People with major neurologic disease, MRI‑incompatible implants, or those using illicit drugs or antiepileptic drugs at the time of scanning are unlikely to benefit and should not expect therapeutic effects from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot observational study uses hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate and [2-13C]pyruvate as MRI probes to image oxidative metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis in the human brain. Ten healthy adults will be imaged with [1-13C]pyruvate and ten with [2-13C]pyruvate, with each subject scanned twice within a 45-minute interval to test repeatability. An additional eight subjects will receive both substrates to allow direct comparison of the two probes. All imaging is performed at UT Southwestern's Advanced Imaging Research Center using 3T MRI-compatible protocols in participants without neurological disease or MRI contraindications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a noninvasive way to visualize brain metabolism and neurotransmitter production, which may improve diagnosis and monitoring of neurologic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Hyperpolarized 13C imaging has shown promising results in preclinical studies and in human cancer imaging, and limited human brain studies exist, but applying both [1-13C] and [2-13C] pyruvate for neurotransmitter synthesis imaging is largely novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 through 60 years of age. * Healthy, with no neurological abnormalities. * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent. * All races and ethnicities will be included; subjects must be able to read and speak the English language. Exclusion Criteria: * Metallic foreign bodies on the scalp or cranium which may interfere with MRI acquisitions * Major debilitating neurological disease including, but not limited to, stroke, CVA, dementia and tumor that would limit compliance with study requirements * Under influence of illicit drugs which are known to alter brain physiology/metabolism including, but not limited to cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and marijuana at the time of MRI/MRSI scanning. * Under influence of antiepileptic drugs at the time of MRI/MRSI scanning. * Any contraindication per MRI Screening Form including * Implants contraindicated at 3T, pacemakers * Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) * Claustrophobia * Medically unstable including * Heart failure * Severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction * Unstable angina * Pregnancy * Lactating
Where it's running
-
UT Southwestern - Advanced Imaging Research Center
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting
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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.