Investigating the effects of serotonin receptor modulation on brain function

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 project explores the neurobiological effects of serotonin 2A receptor modulation in healthy volunteers by comparing the effects of psilocybin, a 5-HT2AR agonist, and ketanserin, a 5-HT2AR antagonist. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and PET, the study aims to elucidate how these substances influence brain function and mood. The goal is to identify the neural mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of psilocybin and establish a framework for understanding pharmacological impacts on the human brain.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1\) Healthy individuals above 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria (For Subprojects 1, 2a, 2b, and 3):

1. Presence of or previous primary psychiatric disease (DSM axis 1 or WHO ICD-10 diagnostic classifications) or in first-degree relatives.
2. Previous or present neurological condition/disease, significant somatic condition/disease or intake of drugs suspected to influence test results.
3. Non-fluent Danish language skills.
4. Vision or hearing impairment.
5. Previous or present learning disability.
6. Pregnancy.
7. Breastfeeding.
8. Contraindications in regard to MRI scanning.
9. Alcohol or drug abuse.
10. Allergy to test drugs.
11. Participation in studies in which participant has received more than 10 mSv of radiation or other significant exposure to radiation.
12. Abnormal ECG or intake of QT prolonging medication.
13. Previous significant side-effects in regard to hallucinogenic drugs.
14. Use of hallucinogenic drugs 6 months previous to inclusion.
15. Blood donation 3 months before and after project participation
16. Body weight under 50 kg.
17. Plasma ferritin levels outside normal range

Exclusion Criteria (For Subproject 2c):

1. Presence of or previous primary psychiatric disease (DSM IV axis 1 or WHO ICD-10 diagnostic classifications).
2. Presence of or previous primary psychiatric disease with psychosis symptoms or hypomania (DSM IV axis 1 \[drug/alcohol abuse/dependence, schizophrenia and other psychoses\] or WHO ICD-10 diagnostic classifications \[F10-29, as well as F30-39 with psychotic symptoms, F60\]) in first-degree relatives (parents or siblings).
3. Previous or present neurological condition/disease, significant somatic condition/disease or intake of drugs suspected to influence test results.
4. Non-fluent Danish language skills or pronounced vision or hearing impairment.
5. Previous or present learning disability.
6. Pregnancy.
7. Breastfeeding.
8. Contraindications in regard to MRI scanning.
9. Alcohol or drug abuse.
10. Allergy to test drugs.
11. Abnormal ECG or intake of QT prolonging medication.
12. Previous significant side-effects in regard to hallucinogenic drugs.
13. Previous use of hallucinogenic drugs.
14. Body weight under 45 kg.
15. Ethical concerns regarding the administration of a psychedelic drug.

Where it's running

• Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet
  Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Gitte M Knudsen, Professor
• Email: gmk@nru.dk
• Phone: +45 35456720

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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.