EAGLES. Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Energetics and Glutamate in Schizophrenia
IRAS ID
328488
Contact name
Alice Egerton
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study aims to better understand the brain mechanisms that contribute to schizophrenia. While the currently available medications for schizophrenia (called antipsychotics) work well for most people, they are not effective enough in reducing symptoms in all patients and there is a substantial need for new medicines. By improving knowledge about the brain mechanisms that contribute to schizophrenia, this study may help to identify new avenues for research aimed at developing new medicines for schizophrenia.
The causes of schizophrenia are unknown and are likely to involve more than one factor. One of the leading theories is that schizophrenia is related to changes in glutamate in the brain. Regulation of glutamate neurotransmission is the most energy demanding process in the brain, for which energy is supplied by glucose and lactate. The brain’s ability to meet energy demands and regulate glutamate neurotransmission is vital for healthy brain functioning and cognition. Our theory is that this process is not working optimally in schizophrenia.
In this study we will recruit healthy volunteers and people with schizophrenia who have or have not responded well to antipsychotic medication. Each participant will have two types of brain scan (called MRI and PET) so that we can investigate the relationships between brain glutamate, glucose utilisation, lactate production and brain activity.
Patients will be recruited from South London and the Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust. The study will be conducted within the facilities of King's College London. Data collection will last approximately 3 years, with an additional year for data analyses.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0990
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion