Dopamine Receptor Imaging to Predict Response to Stimulant Therapy in Chronic TBI
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2017-06-21
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Deficits in memory, attention, cognitive, and executive functions are the most common
disabilities after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Dopamine (DA) neurotransmission is
implicated in these neural functions and dopaminergic pathways are recognized to be
frequently disrupted after TBI. Methylphenidate increases synaptic DA levels by binding to
presynaptic dopamine transporters (DAT) and blocking re-uptake.
The objectives of this study are to use PET imaging with [11C]-raclopride, a D2/D3 receptor
ligand, before and after administering methylphenidate, to measure endogenous DA release in
patients who are experiencing problems with cognition, attention and executive function in
the chronic stage after TBI. In addition, we will use TMS to test short intracortical
inhibition, a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA) - mediated phenomenon, which is
under partial DA control, as a measure of dopaminergic activity on and off
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) University of Pennsylvania
Collaborator:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Treatments:
Central Nervous System Stimulants Dopamine Dopamine Agents Methylphenidate