The NOC Study. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cognition in Schizophrenia; The NOC Study
IRAS ID
177307
Contact name
Paul Morrison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Nitric oxide [NO] is a gaseous neurotransmitter substance found in the brain. Nitric oxide is integrated with the glutamate system. Glutamate has received considerable attention as an important factor in the cognitive distortions and cognitive impairments that underlie schizophrenia. Deficits in glutamate in schizophrenia may impact upon cognition via the NO system. \n\nHere we aim to extend our knowledge of glutamate-NO systems by directly examining the role of NO in cognition in patients with schizophrenia. We aim to assess the role of the NO system in cognition, downstream of glutamate and before patients are started on any anti-psychotic medication which perturb brain neurochemistry.\n\nThe primary outcome measures is change in a particular style of cognition referred to as ’jumping to conclusions’ following the administration of a potent Nitric Oxide donor molecule [glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)], under placebo-controlled, double-blind conditions. This will shed light on the direct role of NO in cognition in schizophrenia.\n
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1102
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion