Microglia Activation in Asthma
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Summary
The goal of this clinical trail is to learn about how asthma influences brain function. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How airway inflammation in asthma affects the brain; and, * Whether airway inflammation in asthma is related to symptoms of depression and anxiety Over the course of 6 visits, participants will: * Complete questionnaires * Complete computer tasks * Undergo allergy skin test * Undergo breathing tests including two whole lung allergen challenges * Give four blood samples * Complete brain imaging scans
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals with no health concerns that might affect the outcome of the study. * Age 18-75 years of age. * Physician diagnosis of asthma for at least six months prior to screening (can be determined at the discretion of an asthma/allergy physician member of the study team). Mild asthma will be defined as asthma that is well controlled with low-intensity treatment, e.g., SABA alone, as-needed low-dose ICS-LABA, or low-dose ICS plus as-needed SABA. * At least a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) during the immediate response following the screening inhaled al…
Interventions
- BiologicalWhole lung antigen challenge (WLAC)
Whole lung antigen challenge with cat hair, house dust mite, or short ragweed allergen extracts.
- Radiation[18F]FEPPA
\[18F\]FEPPA is a radiotracer selective for translocator protein (TSPO) binding, which is elevated in activated microglia.
Location
- University of Wisconsin MadisonMadison, Wisconsin