Effects of the Serotonin Precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan, in the Injured Human Spinal Cord
University of Alberta
Summary
This study will assess how the serotonin precursor, 5-HTP, alter nervous system excitability and motor function in individuals with spinal cord injuries of differing chronicity and severity. Participants will visit the lab on 4 separate occasions where they will be administered four different drugs in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design.
Description
This study will assess for the first time the effects of 5-HTP on neural excitability utilizing a combination of neurophysiological and functional testing in subacute motor complete (AIS A/B), chronic motor complete (AIS A/B) and chronic incomplete (AIS C/D) SCI participants. To reduce peripheral side effects such as nausea, these supplements will be co-administered with carbidopa which inhibits the action of peripheral AADC, thereby ensuring that 5-HTP can effectively cross the blood brain barrier prior to being broken down. The neurophysiological outcomes will allow for the determination of…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * participants must have suffered trauma to the spinal cord at least six months ago or longer Exclusion Criteria: * individuals with damage to the nervous system other than to the spinal cord * pregnant and/or breastfeeding women * alcoholic participants * history of seizure/epilepsy * history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors * known or suspected allergy to the medication ingredients * cardiovascular disease including history of heart attack or heart rhythm irregularities * coronary artery disease * reduced liver function or disease * reduced kidney function or disease…
Interventions
- Drug5-Hydroxytryptophan 100 MG
100mg combined with 50mg carbidopa
- Drug5-Hydroxytryptophan
50mg combined with 50mg carbidopa
- DrugCarbidopa
50mg
- DrugPlacebo
Placebo
Locations (2)
- University of LouisvilleLouisville, Kentucky
- University of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta