Dynamics of Inflammation and Its Blockade on Motivational Circuitry in Depression
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2020-09-26
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of infliximab on measures related to
depression symptoms. Infliximab is also known by its brand name Remicade. Infliximab, or
Remicade, is given to by an intravenous (IV) needle and is currently used to treat rheumatoid
arthritis and Crohn's disease. Infliximab is thought to help these conditions because it
reduces inflammation in the body. Infliximab (Remicade) reduces inflammation by blocking a
chemical in the body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. This chemical produces
inflammation. Inflammatory chemicals in the body like TNF-alpha appear to be increased in
some people with major depression. Researchers believe that a drug like infliximab, which
blocks TNF-alpha, may be helpful in treating depression.
This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which participants will be randomized to
receive one infusion of infliximab or placebo. The study will assess neuroimaging measures of
corticostriatal circuitry before and after a placebo-controlled pharmacologic blockade of
inflammation in 80 depressed patients.