Central Cholinergic Dysfunction in Depression: PET Imaging of a Novel Treatment Target With [18F]VAT to Assess the Antidepressant Effect of Nicotine
Stony Brook University
Summary
In the brain, certain nerve cells communicate using a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is thought to be important for several functions including mood, memory and wakefulness. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of these nerve cells in depression. Also, we would like to understand how nicotine, the study drug, works in depression and how it affects these nerve cells. To do this, brain imaging will be used before and after this treatment.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: For Non-Depressed Participants: * Age range 18 to 65 years old. * Capacity to consent (able to read, understand, and sign informed consent). For Participants with MDD * Age range 18 to 65 years old. * Capacity to consent (able to read, understand, and sign informed consent). * Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as primary diagnosis and currently in a major depressive episode * Score of at least 29 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Exclusion Criteria: For Non-Depressed Participants: * Nicotine use, including tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine patch,…
Interventions
- DrugNicotine transdermal patch
The participants with MDD will receive Nicorette NicoDerm CQ nicotine transdermal patches for 8 days (7 mg/day for days 1-2, 14 mg/day for days 3-4, and 21 mg/day for days 5-8).
- DrugPET Scan with [18F] VAT
All participants will undergo a PET scan at Baseline using tracer \[18F\] VAT. Participants with MDD will undergo a second post-treatment PET scan using tracer \[18F\] VAT.
Location
- Stony Brook University: Dept of PsychiatryStony Brook, New York