Measuring CB1 Receptors Using PET Imaging
What's a CB1 Receptor?
Brain cells send chemical messages to one another via specialized chemical binding sites called receptors.
Cannabinoid receptors bind with a class of chemical compounds that include both the psychoactive compounds in marijuana and endocannabinoids that are made by our bodies.
The CB1 receptor may play a role in learning and memory processes. Importantly, CB1 receptors have been found in brain regions that control fear and stress responses.
What is PET Imaging?
Position Emission Tomography (PET) scanning uses a radiotracer that will specifically bind to CB1 receptors. The radiotracer used is Carbon-11, which has a half-life of 20 minutes. A specialized camera then is able to form an image of these brain regions.
The PET scan will take two hours. You will be asked to lie still during the scan. The amount of radiation used by the scan is below the FDA's annual radiation exposure regulation for research procedures.
What will I do?
Participants will be asked to take
part in the following procedures:
Psychological Interview
Medical Screening
Questionnaires, inc. medical history
A 6hr PET scan appointment
A 1hr MRI scan
Receive up to $550 compensation.
Who can enroll?
This study is open to men and women ages 18-55 who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Participants must be medically healthy, not pregnant, and not using any illicit substances.
Individuals with substance abuse, psychotic disorder, severe claustrophobia, or embedded metal may not participate.
Click the link below to take our pre-screening survey!
Yale HIC#: 1005006735
What's a CB1 Receptor?
Brain cells send chemical messages to one another via specialized chemical binding sites called receptors.
Cannabinoid receptors bind with a class of chemical compounds that include both the psychoactive compounds in marijuana and endocannabinoids that are made by our bodies.
The CB1 receptor may play a role in learning and memory processes. Importantly, CB1 receptors have been found in brain regions that control fear and stress responses.
What is PET Imaging?
Position Emission Tomography (PET) scanning uses a radiotracer that will specifically bind to CB1 receptors. The radiotracer used is Carbon-11, which has a half-life of 20 minutes. A specialized camera then is able to form an image of these brain regions.
The PET scan will take two hours. You will be asked to lie still during the scan. The amount of radiation used by the scan is below the FDA's annual radiation exposure regulation for research procedures.
What will I do?
Participants will be asked to take
part in the following procedures:
-
Psychological Interview
-
Medical Screening
-
Questionnaires, inc. medical history
-
A 6hr PET scan appointment
-
A 1hr MRI scan
Receive up to $650 compensation.
Who can enroll?
This study is open to U.S. Veterans ages 18-65 who have experienced a traumatic event.
Participants must be medically healthy, not pregnant, and not using any illicit substances.
Individuals with substance abuse, psychotic disorders, severe claustrophobia, or embedded metal may not participate.