NCT06584448 · Yale University
Drinking, Acetate, and Stress
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to learn how drinking alcohol affects how people experience stress and how that is affected by the body's chemistry. Specifically, the investigators will be studying relationships of drinking and a stress hormone called cortisol.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to learn how drinking alcohol affects how people experience stress and how that is affected by the body's chemistry. Specifically, the investigators will be studying relationships of drinking and a stress hormone called cortisol. The investigators believe that results will lead us to find more effective ways to help people stop or reduce drinking when participants are drinking at harmful levels.
Interventions
OTHER
Deuterium Metabolic Imaging with deuterated acetate tracer
Deuterium Metabolic Imaging (DMI) is a method by which Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is used to map the appearance of deuterium from a tracer source (e.g., deuterated acetate) in products of metabolism. In this case we will map the combination of glutamate and glutamine, called Glx, to serve as a tag to measure the brain's rate of acetate consumption. That is, the more deuterium appears in Glx, the more acetate that part of the brain consumes.
Primary outcome measures
Rate of Conversion of Acetate to Glutamate + Glutamine (Glx) in the Brain
Time frame: Baseline and for TS, once within approximately one week and again at approximately one month
DMI data will be acquired during infusions of 2H-labeled Ac, using a 4-Tesla magnet. Deuterium flow from \[2,2,2-2H3\]Ac to glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln). Ac forms AcetylCoA at a rate CMRAc and is oxidized by astroglia (VtcaA), labeling the small glial Glu pool (5-10% of the total Glu110).Astroglial Glu is converted to Gln and sent to neurons (Vcycle), where it is converted to labeled Glu. It mixes with the large neuronal Glu pool, fed also by unlabeled carbon mostly from glucose via neuronal oxidation (VtcaN), and the diluted Glu is released and taken up by glia for reconversion to Gln. With 2H, the sum of Glu and Gln is detected as \[2H\]Glx. The faster the rate of acetate consumption, the faster the appearance of \[2H\]Glx.
Concentration of [2H]Glx in the brain during administration of [2H]acetate
Time frame: Baseline and for treatment seekers, once after 1 month sober.
DMI data will be acquired during infusions of 2H-labeled Ac, using a 4-Tesla magnet. Deuterium flow from \[2,2,2-2H3\]Ac to glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln). Ac forms AcetylCoA at a rate CMRAc and is oxidized by astroglia (VtcaA), labeling the small glial Glu pool (5-10% of the total Glu110).Astroglial Glu is converted to Gln and sent to neurons (Vcycle), where it is converted to labeled Glu. It mixes with the large neuronal Glu pool, fed also by unlabeled carbon mostly from glucose via neuronal oxidation (VtcaN), and the diluted Glu is released and taken up by glia for reconversion to Gln. With 2H, the sum of Glu and Gln is detected as \[2H\]Glx. The faster the rate of acetate consumption, the faster the appearance of \[2H\]Glx.
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
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- Medically stable male or female, aged 18-55.
- Able to read, write and complete a multitude of self-assessments in English
- Meets DSM-5 criteria for current Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
- Participants who have Alcohol Use Disorder and are actively drinking must be willing to receive (at no cost) inpatient treatment for AUD for a period of up to 30 days. Participants who have been treated for an Alcohol Use Disorder and are now sober three months or longer will NOT be required to go inpatient.
Exclusion criteria
- Subjects with any significant current medical conditions (neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, thyroid, renal, liver), seizures (for LTS subjects only- seizures directly related to alcohol detoxification are not an exclusion) , delirium or hallucinations, or other unstable medical conditions, including HIV.
- Current DSM-5 substance use disorder (other than AUD or tobacco use disorder)
- Any metallic objects implanted in their body which would make imaging unsafe (pacemaker, etc)
- Claustrophobia, or other inability to participate in an MRI
- A positive test result at intake appointment and subsequent appointments on urine drug screens conducted for illicit drugs. (Note: participants will not be paid for study visits if they test positive for an illicit drug and will be immediately excluded from study).
- Women who are pregnant or nursing. Women who have an IUD that would make imaging unsafe.
- Recent taking of medications that may influence study outcomes (e.g., disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate, anticonvulsants).
- Subjects likely to exhibit clinically significant alcohol withdrawal during the study.
Where
- New Haven, Connecticut
Collaborators
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Related conditions & keywords
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 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations