NCT07612631 · Rajesh Narendran
Imaging CRF X NOP Interactions in Alcohol Use Disorder
What this study is about
This positron emission tomography imaging study uses \[C-11\]NOP-1A and hydrocortisone to image stress-modulating proteins in heavy drinking alcohol use disorder (AUD) subjects and healthy controls (HC). It will also characterize the role of these stress-regulating proteins in a relapse to alcohol.
View original scientific description
This positron emission tomography imaging study uses \[C-11\]NOP-1A and hydrocortisone to image stress-modulating proteins in heavy drinking alcohol use disorder (AUD) subjects and healthy controls (HC). It will also characterize the role of these stress-regulating proteins in a relapse to alcohol.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Heavy drinking alcohol use disorder subjects (AUD)
- Males or females between 18 and 55 years old
- fulfill DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe ( \> or = 4 criteria) alcohol use disorder
- fulfill both NIAAA heavy drinking91 (consuming for males \> or = 5 drinks on any day; for females \> or = 4 drinks on any day) and WHO high-risk/very high-risk drinking level criteria66 (for males \> or = 30 drinks/week; for females \> or = 20 drinks/week) in the past four weeks prior to enrollment
- No lifetime DSM-5 psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or developmental disorders.
- No comorbid current DSM-5 depressive or anxiety disorders
- No other current DSM-5 substance use disorders, including opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, sedative-hypnotics, hallucinogens, and inhalants. Subjects with current moderate and severe DSM-5 cannabis use disorder will also be excluded
- Not currently on psychotropic medications that can directly (e.g., buprenorphine) or indirectly influence binding to NOP (e.g., medications that alter dopamine, GABA, glutamate, etc.) or modify alcohol consumption patterns (e.g., naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram);
- No regular use of medical medications that can potentially interact with hydrocortisone (other corticosteroids, mifepristone, etc.) or increase the risks associated with arterial line removal (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.)
- No clinically significant medical or neurological illnesses, including a history of immune compromise, HPA-axis dysfunction, Cushing's syndrome, glaucoma, morbid obesity, severe hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, all of which are contraindications for hydrocortisone
- No history of anemia or history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis
- Not currently pregnant or breast-feeding
- No history of complicated alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, alcoholic hallucinosis, delirium tremens, or required admission to an inpatient detox program to prevent such symptoms
- Not currently employed as a radiation worker or has participated in a radiation-related research protocol within the previous year such that the total cumulative annual radiation dose (i.e., from participation in previous radioactive drug studies and this study) would exceed the radiation dose limits specified in the FDA regulations (i.e., 21 CFR 361.1) that govern the research use of radiotracers
- No metallic objects in the body that are contraindicated for MRI. Healthy Control subjects (HC)
- Males or females between 18 and 55 years old
- No DSM-5 psychiatric or substance use disorders other than tobacco use disorder
- No NIAAA heavy drinking in the past year (\> or = 5 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week for males; \> or = 4 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week for females)
- 7 to 14 above.
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations