RecruitingEarly Phase 1

Nitrous Oxide Neuroimaging

United States60 participantsStarted 2025-01-13

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of acute pain on long-term memory and conditioned physiologic responses in the presence and absence of low dose nitrous oxide. Functional magnetic resonance imaging will be used to identify the neural correlates of these phenomena. The study will occur over 2 visits and involves no long-term follow up.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 59 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * have none of the specific exclusion criteria * have a valid email address and valid phone number throughout the study * free from any non-MRI compatible implants Exclusion Criteria: * are pregnant or attempting to conceive * body mass index (BMI) \> 35 * significant memory impairment or hearing loss * sleep apnea * chronic pain or frequently taking pain medication (including tramadol) * any severe or poorly-controlled medical problem (hypertension, diabetes) * neurologic or psychiatric disease, including anxiety, and depression * severe cardiac disease * history of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency or variant mutation, as assessed by personal report * recent ear or eye surgery * being claustrophobic * have metal implants or non-removable metal piercings * having a history of adverse reaction to anesthetics * daily alcohol or heavy alcohol use; history of alcohol abuse * current daily smoker * regular or recent marijuana use (including prescribed/medical marijuana) * illicit drug use, i.e., street drugs * regularly taking: antiepileptics, antidepressants, anti-psychotics, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, or sleep-aids

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Brain activation to painful stimulation difference: Drug-free condition minus nitrous oxide condition

Timeframe: Visit 1: Immediate; average activity, calculated from each task scan

Resting-state functional connectivity difference: Drug-free minus nitrous oxide condition

Timeframe: Visit 1: Immediate; brain activity captured in data acquired across entire 6-8 minute scan.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06702631

SponsorKeith M Vogt

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-01

Contact for this trial

Keith M Vogt, MD, PhD

4126473147 kev18@pitt.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Anesthesia trials