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Monoamine Contributions to Neurocircuitry in Eating Disorders

Phase 4
Completed
Conditions
Eating Disorder
Interventions
Drug: [11C]raclopride
Drug: [11C]DASB
Drug: amphetamine
Registration Number
NCT02020408
Lead Sponsor
University of California, San Diego
Brief Summary

This study will use brain imaging technologies to measure several neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) that contribute to our abilities to respond to reward or inhibit our impulses, and which are known to be altered in the brain of people with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Because palatable food stimulates dopamine secretion, we propose to use a challenge with brain imaging that will stimulate dopamine release which we hypothesize will generate anxiety rather than pleasure in AN, and will help explain why AN restrict eating in order to reduce anxiety. This study will help to understand the unique puzzling symptoms in eating disorders and contribute to finding better methods for identifying effective treatments for these often relapsing and sometimes chronic disorders.

Detailed Description

Alterations of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) activity may contribute to extremes of appetitive behaviours in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), through effects on inhibitory and reward neural pathways. To avoid the confounding effects of malnutrition, and because they have behaviours and neural circuit alterations relevant for this study, we will study 25 recovered (REC) restricting-type AN, 25 REC bulimic-type AN (AN-BN), 25 REC BN, and 25 control women (CW). This 5 year study, of women 18 to 45 years old, will employ positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radioligands for the 5-HT transporter (\[11C\]DASB) and DA D2/D3 receptors (\[11C\]raclopride).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
88
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

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Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
[11C]raclopride, [11C]DASB, amphetamine[11C]DASBOne time administration of oral amphetamine based on subject's weight (0.5 mg/kg). One PET scan using \[11C\]DASB. Two PET scans using \[11C\]raclopride.
[11C]raclopride, [11C]DASB, amphetamine[11C]racloprideOne time administration of oral amphetamine based on subject's weight (0.5 mg/kg). One PET scan using \[11C\]DASB. Two PET scans using \[11C\]raclopride.
[11C]raclopride, [11C]DASB, amphetamineamphetamineOne time administration of oral amphetamine based on subject's weight (0.5 mg/kg). One PET scan using \[11C\]DASB. Two PET scans using \[11C\]raclopride.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
5-HT Transporter Binding as Measured During the PET Scan90 minute PET scan

Use PET and \[11C\]DASB to explore 5-HTT receptor binding potential midbrain and striatal regions of interest in eating disorder subtypes.

The Binding Potential (BP) was calculated as BP Non Displaceable (ND) = (VT/VND) -1. \[VT = distribution volume in tissue; VND = non-displaceable distribution volume\]. The binding of the 5-HTT on PET presumably reflects 5-HTT density and/or affinity.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Dopamine D2/D3 Receptor Binding as Measured During the PET Scan After Amphetamine Administration90 min PET scan

Use PET and \[11C\]raclopride to explore Dopamine D2/D3 receptor binding potential (BPND) in striatal regions of interest in eating disorder subtypes after amphetamine administration. The Binding Potential (BP) was calculated as BP Non Displaceable (ND) = (VT/VND) -1. \[VT = distribution volume in tissue; VND = non-displaceable distribution volume\].

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of California San Diego

🇺🇸

San Diego, California, United States

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