At a glance
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The Effects of Kynurenine Aminotransferase Inhibition in People With Schizophrenia
In Brief
A Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Placebo, and 1 other intervention for Schizophrenia and 2 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 88 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain. Studies with rodents indicate that levels of KYNA can impact levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate and dopamine. One way to reliably increase KYNA levels is by ingesting the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is a normal part of the human diet. Tryptophan gets metabolized/changed to other chemicals in the body- including KYNA. By giving people 6 grams of tryptophan, the investigators will be able to increase the KYNA level in a controlled way. The investigators will then be able to study the effects of KYNA on neurotransmitters by using cognitive tests and magnetic resonance imaging techniques (measuring brain activity and brain chemistry using the MRI magnet). The overall goal of the study is to examine how the medication N-acetylcysteine (NAC), when added to tryptophan, affects various cognitive functions, such as verbal and visual memory. The investigators will also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine how NAC affects brain activity and chemicals.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Flavored effervescent formulation
Flavored effervescent formulation designed to mimic NAC
Oral slurry form