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RecruitingAccepts healthy volunteersPhase 4

Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention

University of California, Davis · NCT06041048

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Opens the official ClinicalTrials.gov record, with the study team’s contacts. Bored Studies doesn’t enroll anyone.

Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 18–60 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Phase 4
Target enrollment
40
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
October 1, 2023
Record last updated
June 18, 2026

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

The norepinephrine-producing locus coeruleus (LC) is thought to be central to a wide array of cognitive functions, like attention and goal pursuit, and has been implicated in dysfunctions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. The goal of this proposal is to develop methods that permit measurement of activity in the human LC. Because the LC is small and located in the pons, the Investigators will use high resolution magnetic resonance imaging techniques tailored to the brainstem environment, including neuromelanin-sensitive images shown to delineate the LC, combined with pharmacological manipulation to confirm the location of functional activity.

Being studied: Modafinil

Conditions: Attention - no Condition is Being Assessed - Healthy Adults

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • Between the ages of 18 - 60 years of age,
  • Typically developing, healthy adult

Exclusion Criteria

  • History of schizophrenia, other forms of psychosis,
  • Specific or focal neurological disorder or severe alcohol or drug use disorder within the past 5 years
  • History of left ventricular hypertrophy or in patients with mitral valve prolapse who have experienced the mitral valve prolapse syndrome when previously receiving CNS stimulants, or who have had recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable angina.
  • Volunteers with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil or its inactive ingredients
  • Known allergy/sensitivity or any hypersensitivity to components of modafinil or its formulation
  • Inability to swallow tablets or tolerate oral medication;
  • Pregnant or nursing (participants will be required to have a negative pregnancy test)
  • Contraindication for MRI scanning (metal implants, pacemakers, metal foreign bodies, or pregnancy)
  • Use of psychotropic medication within the past week
  • Claustrophobic and not comfortable being in a small space may also not want to participate

Recruiting US locations

  • University of California, Davis

    Sacramento, CA 95817

    Site contact: Jared Borden · jborden@ucdavis.edu

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Julie Schweitzer, PhD · 9167030450 · jschweitzer@ucdavis.edu
  • Jared Borden, MA · 9167030294 · Jborden@ucdavis.edu
All healthy volunteers studies in California →
Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention (NCT06041048) | Bored Studies