Cambridge Brain and Behaviour Study (CamBABS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain and behavior in individuals with disorder of sex development (DSD) conditions
IRAS ID
186242
Contact name
Melissa Hines
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
609/M/C/1495, University of Cambridge Research Office reference no.
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Studies of non-human mammals show that androgens, particularly testosterone (T), during early development play a major role in sexual differentiation of the brain, with long-term consequences for behavior. Research on clinical populations suggests that prenatal T exposure has similar effects in humans, increasing male-typical behavior and reducing female-typical behavior. Almost nothing is known, however, about the impact of early T exposure on the structure of the human brain. In addition, the brain mechanisms underlying T-related behavioral changes are unknown. This project will study brain structure and behavior in individuals with one of two disorders of sex development that are characterized by androgen abnormality beginning prenatally: congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which causes overproduction of adrenal androgens; and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), which involves an inability to respond to androgens, and so an effective lack of androgen exposure. CAH affects both males and females, and 35 men and 35 women with CAH will be compared to 35 male and 35 female controls. Individuals with CAIS are XY females, and 35 females with CAIS will be compared to 35 male and 35 female controls. State-of-the-art imaging technology will be used to map brain structure. Also, aspects of behavior, known to show substantial sex differences, and for which there is evidence of a relationship to prenatal T exposure, will be assessed. The information obtained will provide convergent evidence regarding the influence of T on human brain and behavior. The information obtained will enhance understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in sexual differentiation of human brain and behavior, and so will be relevant to the many psychological disorders that differ by sex. It will also be relevant to clinical management of individuals who have experienced T abnormality before birth.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0532
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion