Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia MRI Research Study

STUDY BASICS

Healthy adults, age 18-59, are being recruited for a study of the commonly-used anesthetic gas nitrous oxide. This involves MRI scans while performing a memory task and experiencing periodic painful electric shocks, at a level you set in advance. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to better understand what factors allow or prevent memory formation and the experience of pain in people receiving nitrous oxide anesthesia.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• are not pregnant or attempting to conceive
• are normal weight
• do not have significant memory impairment or hearing loss
• do not have sleep apnea
• do not have chronic pain or other pain disorder
• do not regularly take medicine for pain or sleep
• do not take anti-depressants (including SSRIs)
• are not a current smoker
• are able to undergo MRI (no metal or implants)
• have no history of an adverse reaction to nitrous oxide
• have not had recent eye or ear surgery
• have no history of severe cardiac disease
• have no history methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) reductase deficiency or mutation
• do not regularly use marijuana (prescription or recreational)
• have no significant history of using other recreational drugs

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Interested subjects must complete a brief memory test (in-person or online).  If your memory performance is above the entry cutoff, you may be enrolled in the study.  This involves 2 additional study visits, typically during weekday working hours.