PET brain imaging with nicotine patch in people with depression
Studies nicotine patch and brain scans in adults with major depressive disorder.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: PET Imaging Using the Tracer [18F]VAT to Assess the Antidepressant Effect of Nicotine.
Key facts
- Where
- Stony Brook, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 4
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07095205, who can take part
Where in United States
- Stony Brook University: Dept of PsychiatryStony Brook, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Stony Brook University
- Trial code
- NCT07095205
- Record updated
- 31 July 2025
- Original description
In the brain, certain nerve cells communicate using a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is thought to be important for several functions including mood, memory and wakefulness. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of these nerve cells in depression. Also, we would like to understand how nicotine, the study drug, works in depression and how it affects these nerve cells. To do this, brain imaging will be used before and after this treatment.Read full original descriptionShow less
Central Cholinergic Dysfunction in Depression: PET Imaging of a Novel Treatment Target With [18F]VAT to Assess the Antidepressant Effect of Nicotine
In the brain, certain nerve cells communicate using a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is thought to be important for several functions including mood, memory and wakefulness. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of these nerve cells in depression. Also, we would like to understand how nicotine, the study drug, works in depression and how it affects these nerve cells. To do this, brain imaging will be used before and after this treatment.
Inclusion: For Non-Depressed Participants:; Age range 18 to 65 years old; Capacity to consent (able to read, understand, and sign informed consent); For Participants with MDD; Age range 18 to 65 years old; Capacity to consent (able to read, understand, and sign informed consent); Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as primary diagnosis and currently in a major depressive episode; Score of at least 29 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).
Exclusion: Nicotine use, including tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine patch, nicotine gum, within the past year [except for occasional users, who cannot use nicotine products in the week before the scan]; Need for use of medication during the study that will affect cholinergic levels; Problematic drug/alcohol use that is judged sufficient to interfere with study procedures during the treatment period or impact participant safety; Any MRI contraindications, including recent tattoos, metal implants, pacemaker, metal prostheses, orthodontic appliances, or presence of shrapnel that are contraindicated for MRI; Any PET contraindications, including if study imaging will result in the participant receiving greater exposure than the research limit, or if participant is pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or planning to conceive during the course of study participation; Nicotine use, including tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine patch, nicotine gum, within the past year [except for occasional users, who cannot use nicotine products in the week before the scan]; Currently on effective antidepressant medications or need for use of medications that target the cholinergic system; Problematic drug/alcohol use that is judged sufficient to interfere with study procedures during the treatment period or impact participant safety; Any MRI contraindications, including recent tattoos, metal implants, pacemaker, metal prostheses, orthodontic appliances, or presence of shrapnel that are contraindicated for MRI; Any PET contraindications, including if study imaging will result in the participant receiving greater exposure than the research limit, or if participant is pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or planning to conceive during the course of study participation; Significant active physical illness or neurological deficit that may affect brain function or imaging; Significant eye conditions such as keratoconus and/or need for rigid contact lenses; Current or lifetime history of a major psychiatric diagnosis; Significant active physical illness or neurological deficit that may affect the brain function or imaging; Significant eye conditions such as keratoconus and/or need for rigid contact lenses; Current or lifetime major psychiatric diagnosis other than MDD; Life-time history of psychosis or current psychosis; For Non-Depressed Participants:; Blood donation within 8 weeks of the [18F]VAT scan; For Participants with MDD; Significant risk for suicide; Blood donation within 8 weeks of the [18F]VAT scan.