Brain Imaging Study of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2013-04-11
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This research study investigates the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on brain activity in
adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Background:
- Oxytocin and vasopressin are two hormones produced in the brain. Both hormones can
influence activity in brain regions such as the amygdala that are involved in social and
emotional processing. There is evidence suggesting that oxytocin and vasopressin may be
implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Objectives:
-Here, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the effects of oxytocin
and vasopressin on brain activity in adult healthy volunteers and adults with ASD.
Eligibility:
- Right-handed individuals between 18 and 40 years of age who either have been diagnosed with
autism, Asperger s disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified
(PDD-NOS), or are healthy volunteers.
Design:
- This study requires 3 outpatient visits to the NIH Clinical Center in addition to a
screening visit. Each visit will last about 2.5 hours. Participants may not smoke
cigarettes or drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages for 12 hours before each visit.
- During each visit, participants will receive a nasal spray that contains one of the
following: oxytocin, vasopressin, or placebo. Participants will receive a different
spray at each visit.
- After using the nasal spray, participants will have an MRI scan of the brain while
performing tasks with social and emotional stimuli.
- After the MRI scan, participants will complete questionnaires about mood and reaction to
the tasks, and will remain in the clinic until the effects of the study medication have
worn off.
- Participants will be contacted 1 day after each MRI scan for follow-up purposes.