Brain Imaging Research Study – Healthy Volunteers Ages 18-55

STUDY BASICS

Are you 18–55 years of age and do not take any medications (birth control is acceptable)? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about a protein in the brain that may play a role in substance use disorders. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Some research suggests that a protein called nociceptin/orphanin FQ plays an important role in substance use disorders. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ is used by the brain to pass messages between brain cells, and may help regulate pain, stress, and reward functions.

 

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ by comparing brain scans from people who do and do not have cocaine use disorder. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to prevent relapse in substance use disorders in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-55
• Medication-free (birth control is acceptable)
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding
• No present or past psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, alcohol and/or drug use disorders
• No current or past history serious medical conditions (hypertension, heart attack, seizure, stroke)
• Able and willing to undergo MRI and PET/CT scanning (not claustrophobic, no non-removable metal in your body)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Study participation involves at least three visits over 2-3 weeks and includes questionnaires, interviews, brain scanning, blood and urine tests, and other procedures. The brain scanning includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scans, electrocardiogram, and the administration of intravenous hydrocortisone.