Improving brain and muscle imaging techniques using magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Official title: Development of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging Techniques for Imaging Metabolites in Human Brain and Muscle
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT01266577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to improve brain and muscle imaging techniques to better understand brain chemistry in healthy adults, which could help develop new treatments for mental health conditions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 27, 2011 |
| Main results expected | October 23, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 23, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT01266577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals aged 18 to 65 who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with current psychiatric diagnoses or significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
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 enhance and develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques to better visualize and measure brain metabolites and activity. By focusing on healthy volunteers aged 18 to 65, researchers will implement and optimize existing MRS methods while also creating new techniques for brain and muscle applications. Participants will undergo a thorough screening process followed by scanning sessions at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The goal is to advance the understanding of brain chemistry, which could aid in the development of treatments for psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for understanding brain metabolism and potentially developing new treatments for mental illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using magnetic resonance spectroscopy for brain imaging, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: * 18-65 years of age * able to give written informed consent * healthy based on medical history and physical exam * enrolled in Protocol 01-M-0254 or Protocol 17-M-0181 EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Any current Axis 1 diagnosis * Clinically significant laboratory abnormalities * Positive HIV test * Metallic foreign bodies that would be affected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet, or fear of enclosed spaces likely to make the subject unable to undergo an MRI scan. * History of neurological illness or injury with the potential to affect study data interpretation, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson s disease, seizure disorder or traumatic brain injury * Inability to lie flat on camera bed for about two and a half hours * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Current substance use disorder based on DSM-5 * NIMH employees and staff and their immediate family members will be excluded from the study per NIMH policy.
Where it's running
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Li An, Ph.D. — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Study coordinator: Christopher S Johnson
- Email: johnsonchri@mail.nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 402-6695
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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.