Effects of Ketamine on Eye Movements, Perception and Brain Function

Functional Neuroimaging Clinical Trial

Official title: Effects of Ketamine on Eye Movements, Perception and Brain Function

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

In this study, the investigators examine the effects of low-dose ketamine on different oculomotor, perceptual and cognitive functions. They also examine effects on concurrent brain activity using blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A sample of N=25 healthy, male participants is required to complete the study. The design is within-subjects, placebo-controlled, double-blind and cross-over. A targeted ketamine level in plasma of 100ng/ml is applied. It is hypothesised that ketamine, compared to placebo, will lead to changes in task performance and brain activity similar to those observed in patients with schizophrenia.

Clinical Trial Description

The uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine has been proposed as a model system of the symptoms of schizophrenia. To complement this model system and to allow neurobiological as well as translational studies, biomarkers are often applied to people under the influence of ketamine. Here, we apply oculomotor, perceptual and cognitive biomarkers to healthy human volunteers whilst they undergo BOLD fMRI at 3 Tesla field strength. We use a counter-balanced, placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-subjects design. A sample of 25 healthy participants is required. Participants will receive intravenous (IV) racemic ketamine (with a 100ng/ml target plasma concentration) on one of two assessment days and they will receive placebo (intravenous saline) on the other assessment day. BOLD fMRI will be carried out on a Siemens Trio scanner at the Life&Brain Centre, Bonn. In addition to brain functional and cognitive, perceptual and oculomotor responses, we will also measure self-ratings of psychosis-like experiences. These will be obtained using the Psychotomimetic States Inventory (PSI; Mason et al 2008). ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Functional Neuroimaging

• NCT number: NCT02701933
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Bonn
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 2014
• Completion date: December 2014