Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2024-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
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.