Glutamate and cognitive function
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Glutamatergic responsivity and cognition in psychotic disorders
IRAS ID
160245
Contact name
Oliver Howes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
One third of the patients with schizophrenia show limited response in their treatment. The neurobiology of treatment resistant schizophrenia is not well known, however latest evidence implicates glutamatergic dysfunction. Two recent studies from our group have shown increased glutamate levels in the anterior cingulate cortex of patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia compared to controls.
However the responsivity of the glutamate system in schizophrenia is not known. The aim of this study is to probe the responsivity of the glutamate system in schizophrenia using riluzole, a drug that reduces glutamate release.
We will employ a within subject design to compare glutamate levels in patients with schizophrenia with refractory symptoms pre and post the administration of riluzole, a glutamate modulator, using ¹H-MRS. All subjects will also undergo neuropsychological and MRI measures to examine differences in brain function before and after administration of riluzole to determine if glutamate levels at baseline and glutamate responsivity is linked to the cognitive and brain functional changes seen in schizophrenia.
This study has the potential to inform understanding of the neurobiology of schizophrenia and poor treatment response, by investigating the role of glutamate. In addition, the use of riluzole has the potential to advance the current knowledge about glutamatergic agents in treatment resistant schizophrenia.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1028
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion