Modulation of Serotonin Pathways Using Psilocybin in Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Psilocybin 5 mg
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sponsor
- King's College London
- Enrollment
- 67
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Brain activation and connectivity response to serotonergic stimulation as assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging.
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 9 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study will test the hypothesis that brain systems are differentially regulated by serotonin in individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Detailed Description
To do this, the brain response to two single acute doses of partial serotonin (5HT)1A/2A receptor agonist psilocybin (COMP360) relative to a single dose of placebo (baseline serotonin activity) will be compared in healthy autistic and non-autistic adults. Brain function will be assessed using a range of MRI (fMRI and MRS), EEG and sensory tasks. Unimodal and multimodal analyses will be conducted. Please note that this study uses psilocybin as a probe of the serotonin system in a Case-Control science study and, following Scope protocol review, the U.K. MHRA confirmed that it is not a 'Clinical Trial of an Investigational Medicinal Product' (IMP) as defined by the EU Directive 2001/20/EC.
Investigators
Dr Grainne McAlonan
Deputy Head of Department
King's College London
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •For all participants:
- •Calendar age above 18 years
- •Working knowledge of English
- •Able to give informed consent
- •Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- •Individuals should be in good physical health, prescription medication free during the 2-week period preceding a study visit. However, occasional use of over-the-counter medication (e.g. painkillers) on an as needed basis (and not on the day of study visit) may be permitted. In addition, regular prescription medication (use of a stable dose over the two months preceding participation) with a drug that does not affect 5HT directly may be permitted. Also permitted is topical medication without systemic exposure
- •For individuals with ASD:
- •Diagnosis of ASD by recognised clinical service supported by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) if a relative is available. Current symptom level assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
Exclusion Criteria
- •For all participants:
- •History of allergy/idiosyncrasy to psilocybin or chemically related compounds or excipients which may be employed in the study or to any other drug used in the past
- •Clinically relevant history or presence of any medical disorder, potentially interfering with this study
- •Clinically relevant abnormality at screening as judged by the investigator
- •History of or current abuse of drugs (including prescription medication) or alcohol or solvents
- •Participation in a research study involving a pharmacological probe or drug trial within last month
- •Subjects with current epilepsy, seizures or episodes of unexplained and unprovoked loss of consciousness
- •Anyone with a history or examination which indicates laboratory testing is needed will be excluded from the study
- •Intelligence Quotient below 70
- •Currently taking prescription medications of propranolol or pindolol
Arms & Interventions
Placebo, Psilocybin_2, Psilocybin_5
Dose order: Placebo, Psilocybin 2mg, Psilocybin 5mg
Intervention: Psilocybin 5 mg
Placebo, Psilocybin_2, Psilocybin_5
Dose order: Placebo, Psilocybin 2mg, Psilocybin 5mg
Intervention: Psilocybin 2 mg
Placebo, Psilocybin_2, Psilocybin_5
Dose order: Placebo, Psilocybin 2mg, Psilocybin 5mg
Intervention: Placebo
Psilocybin_2, Placebo, Psilocybin_5
Dose order: Psilocybin 2mg, Placebo, Psilocybin 5mg
Intervention: Psilocybin 5 mg
Psilocybin_2, Placebo, Psilocybin_5
Dose order: Psilocybin 2mg, Placebo, Psilocybin 5mg
Intervention: Psilocybin 2 mg
Psilocybin_2, Placebo, Psilocybin_5
Dose order: Psilocybin 2mg, Placebo, Psilocybin 5mg
Intervention: Placebo
Psilocybin_2, Psilocybin_5, Placebo
Dose order: Psilocybin 2mg, Psilocybin 5mg, Placebo
Intervention: Psilocybin 5 mg
Psilocybin_2, Psilocybin_5, Placebo
Dose order: Psilocybin 2mg, Psilocybin 5mg, Placebo
Intervention: Psilocybin 2 mg
Psilocybin_2, Psilocybin_5, Placebo
Dose order: Psilocybin 2mg, Psilocybin 5mg, Placebo
Intervention: Placebo
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Brain activation and connectivity response to serotonergic stimulation as assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Time Frame: Data collected on up to 3 visit days per participant.
Comparing whole brain blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activation (institutional units) during the resting state in cases and controls when the serotonin system is activated by a single oral dose of psilocybin (COMP360) versus the placebo condition.
Brain electrophysiological activity electroencephalography (EEG) during visual stimulation
Time Frame: Data collected on up to 3 visit days per participant.
Case-control comparison of EEG Evoked Potentials in response to visual stimulation during placebo and when serotonin system is activated with psilocybin.
Brain electrophysiological activity electroencephalography (EEG) during auditory stimulation
Time Frame: Data collected on up to 3 visit days per participant.
Case-control comparison of EEG Event Related Potentials in response to auditory tones during placebo and when serotonin system is activated with psilocybin.
Brain electrophysiological activity task-free electroencephalography (EEG)
Time Frame: Data collected on up to 3 visit days per participant.
Case-control comparison of task-free EEG by time-frequency analysis during placebo and when serotonin system is activated with psilocybin.
Secondary Outcomes
- Brain excitation and inhibition response to serotonergic stimulation as assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.(Data collected on up to 3 visit days per participant.)