NCT05630963 · Mclean Hospital
Beyond Monoamines: The Role of the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor in Major Depression
What this study is about
This study looks at the role of the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ receptor system in the brain of individuals with current or past major depressive disorder (MDD). It also examines how individuals with a history of depression make certain decisions and which brain regions are involved in such decisions. Information collected through MRI, PET, biospecimens (i.e.
View original scientific description
This study looks at the role of the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ receptor system in the brain of individuals with current or past major depressive disorder (MDD). It also examines how individuals with a history of depression make certain decisions and which brain regions are involved in such decisions. Information collected through MRI, PET, biospecimens (i.e., blood, saliva) and behavioral tasks will be used to predict depressive symptoms in the future.
Interventions
DEVICE
Aversive stimuli
Electrotactile stimulation will be used as the aversive stimulus. The aversive stimulus is delivered in the form of a mild half-second stimulation to the ankle, calibrated to a subjective threshold that is uncomfortable but not painful. This stimulation is delivered by Digitimer DS8R Constant Current Stimulator (Digitimer North America, LLC. Ft. Lauderdale, FL). Its previous model DS71 has been safely implemented in studies with previously MGH-approved IRB's (Milad et al., 2013).
DRUG
PET radiotracer
A Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ ("N/OFQ") peptide tracer (\[11C\] NOP-1A) will be used as the PET radiotracer. Approximately 10 mCi of this tracer will be delivered intravenously as a slow bolus over 60 seconds with beginning of the PET imaging acquisition. Approximately 60 ml of blood will be drawn from an artery throughout the dynamic PET acquisition in order to measure the blood N/OFQ levels.
Primary outcome measures
Clinical Interview
Time frame: Baseline
For assessing psychological state
Behavioral Performance on the Probabilistic Reward Task (PRT)
Time frame: Baseline
the PRT assesses individuals' ability to learn from rewards
MRI Data
Time frame: within 30 days of Screening Visit
For testing the neural correlates of approach-avoidance decision making behaviors
Salivary Cortisol
Time frame: Baseline
For assessing stress level
PET Data
Time frame: within 30 days of Screening Visit
For assessing the Nociceptin/Oprhanin FQ receptor system activity
Arterial blood data
Time frame: Baseline
for PET modeling and assessing Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ levels in bloodstream
Follow-up Clinical Interviews
Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 months and 12 months after the PET visit
To assess psychological state changes
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
- for all participants:
- All genders, races, and ethnic origins, aged between 18 and 45
- Capable of providing written informed consent, and fluent in English
- Right-handed
- Absence of any psychotropic medications for at least 2 weeks
- Has a smartphone (iPhone or Android) (needed for Ecological Momentary Assessment) Inclusion Criteria for "Remitted MDD" group:
- Meets inclusion criteria for all subjects, plus:
- History of MDD as defined by DSM-5
- Absence of anxiety disorder for the past two months Inclusion Criteria for "Current MDD" group:
- Meets inclusion criteria for all subjects, plus:
- Presence of MDD as defined by DSM-5
- Absence of anxiety disorder for the past two months
Exclusion criteria
- for all participants:
- Subjects with suicidal ideation where outpatient treatment is determined unsafe by the study clinician. These patients will be immediately referred to appropriate clinical treatment
- Pregnant women or women of childbearing potential who are not using a medically accepted means of contraception (defined as oral contraceptive pill or implant, condom, diaphragm, spermicide, IUD, s/p tubal ligation, or partner with vasectomy)
- Serious or unstable medical illness, including cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrine, neurologic or hematologic disease
- History of seizure disorder
- History of psychiatric illnesses, other than depression or anxiety disorders among the Current MDD and Remitted MDD groups
- History of substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder (as these terms are defined by DSM-5); except depressed subjects may have a history of 'Mild' substance/alcohol use disorder only if it ended as least 12 months ago
- History of cocaine or stimulant use or dopaminergic drugs
- History or current diagnosis of dementia, or a score of \< 26 on the Mini Mental State Examination at the screening visit;
- Patients with mood congruent or mood incongruent psychotic features
- Current use of other psychotropic drugs
- Clinical or laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism
- Patients with a lifetime history of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Failure to meet standard MRI safety requirements
- Abnormal ECG and lab results
- History of seizure disorder
- Contraindications for arterial line (e.g., abnormal result on Allen test, Raynaud's syndrome, history of anemia or bleeding disorder, history of fainting from blood draws).
Where
- Belmont, Massachusetts
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
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 Oct 21, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations