Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention

Conditions

• Attention - no Condition is Being Assessed - Healthy Adults

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - 60 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• Modafinil — DRUG
  Single dose (200 mg) of medication versus placebo given to healthy control subjects

Study Details

The norepinephrine-producing locus coeruleus (LC) is thought to be central to a wide array of cognitive functions, like attention and goal pursuit, and has been implicated in dysfunctions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. The goal of this proposal is to develop methods that permit measurement of activity in the human LC. Because the LC is small and located in the pons, the Investigators will use high resolution magnetic resonance imaging techniques tailored to the brainstem environment, including neuromelanin-sensitive images shown to delineate the LC, combined with pharmacological manipulation to confirm the location of functional activity.

Key Dates

Start date

Oct 1, 2023

Status verified

Dec 2025

Primary completion

Dec 30, 2025

Completion

Dec 30, 2025

Study Design

Enrollment

40 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

• Active Comparator: Modafinil
  Single oral dose (200 mg) of medication versus placebo given to healthy control subjects
• Placebo Comparator: Placebo
  Oral placebo

Primary Outcome Measure

Brain activity - BOLD response [ Time Frame: 1 hour ]

Central Contacts

• Julie Schweitzer, PhD
  9167030450
  [email protected]
• Jared Borden, MA
  9167030294
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

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