Health Trials

About this trial

It is not known what causes Parkinson's disease and what makes it worsen over time. Research conducted in the past few years has highlighted the possible role of inflammation on this process but its actual mechanisms are still obscure.

In this study, the investigators aim to gain understanding on how inflammation is increased in Parkinson's disease and what are its mechanisms, by performing two Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans using the tracer \[11C\]PBR28, that takes pictures of the brain highlighting the areas of inflammation, before and after the administration of a compound called Lipopolysaccharide or LPS, that is known to cause a mild degree of inflammation. The investigators will couple this study with two venous blood draws to measure the levels of circulating molecules of inflammation.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

50-85 years of age, male or female

Able to give informed consent

Adequate visual and auditory acuity to complete the neuropsychological testing

No presence or history of significant neurological or psychiatric disorders

Disqualifiers

Unwilling and/or unable to cooperate with study procedures

Current or a recent (<12 months) history of drug or alcohol abuse/dependence

BDI ≥ 20, moderate depression

Presence of clinically significant (as deemed by the study physician) alterations on safety laboratory blood and urine testing

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Lipopolysaccharide
  • PET/MR with [11C]PBR28

Treatment groups

30 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups

Locations

1
University of Exeter Exeter United Kingdom

Sponsors and collaborators

University of Exeter

Lead sponsor

Source ClinicalTrials.gov