Serotonergic modulation of cognition, emotion and brain activation in healthy volunteers (HC-SSRI project)

The HC-SSRI project is a double-blind placebo-controlled study of healthy individuals. Here, we evaluate how a three-week treatment with the drug selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) affects human’s cognition and emotions, as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and sophisticated neuropsychological testing (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and EMOTICOM), and further affects synaptic plasticity measured with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The project is a collaboration between NRU and Professor and cognition expert Barbara Sahakian and post doc Christelle Langley from The University of Cambridge, UK.

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The role of serotonin in compulsive behaviour in humans (OCD-project)

The OCD-project is a double-blind placebo-controlled study of individuals with the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and healthy individuals matched on sex and age. Here, we evaluate how a three-week treatment with the drug selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) affects the serotonin receptor 4, measured with Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and compulsive behaviour, measured with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and sophisticated neuropsychological testing (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and EMOTICOM). The project is a collaboration between NRU and Professor and cognition expert Trevor Robbins and post doc Paula Banca from The University of Cambridge, UK.

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Prophylactic effects of psilocybin on chronic cluster headache (EPOCH)

Cluster headache is a debilitating primary headache disorder, where patients experience excruciating headache attacks up 8 times per day. Some patients respond poorly to preventive medication or experience unacceptable side-effects. Thus, there is a need for development of novel medication. In this project, we evaluate effects of thee doses of psilocybin (active compound in "magic mushrooms") on headache in 20 patients with chronic cluster headache. To better understand potential mechanisms of action, patients are also scanned with fMRI before and after the drug intervention. The findings will help determine, whether psilocybin is a viable option for further drug development in cluster headache and also elucidate effects on brain function.

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Cognition, risk-related decision making and brain function in entrepreneurs (Entrepreneurship)

This project seeks to disentangle whether entrepreneurs perceive or cognitively process risk and uncertainty differently than comparable others. We use behavioural experiments tapping into decision making under risk and ambiguity as well as reward processing while tracking changes in neural activation in sections of the brain which have been shown to be associated with this type of decision making. Uncovering these differences in the neural processing of risk, ambiguity and reward between entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs, could explain the behavioural differences that has been observed in entrepreneurs with regard to decision making in risky and ambiguous settings. We plan to include 90 participants consisting of 3 groups of equal sizes: serial entrepreneurs, one-time entrepreneurs and a control group.

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Brain disorders diagnosed with 7 Tesla MR (7 Tesla)

The 7 Tesla (7T) MRI projects are focused on the benefit of 7T MRI in the clinic. Among other promising contributions when compared to conventional clinical MRI (1.5 or 3T), structural images from 7T MRI have the benefit of increased spatial resolution and contrast, which may help radiologists detect and delineate smaller and more precise details.

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The Quantum Trip Trial study: Can a single administration of psilocybin reduce alcohol intake in patients with alcohol use disorder? (QQT)

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a widespread burden on public health across the world and constitutes a major risk factor for disability and mortality. In Denmark, approximately 15% of the population has a harmful use of alcohol and 3% fulfill the criteria for AUD and excessive consumption of alcohol cost the Danish society 1.7 billion EUR per year. Unfortunately, AUD has a chronic and progressive course and is inefficiently treated. In the 1950s through the 1960s, before the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, several studies were carried out evaluating the effects of classic psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD on addiction. A recent meta-analysis reviewed six randomized controlled trials in AUD from the 1950-1970s (n = 536) and found odds in favor of abstinence (OR 19.6) after a single administration of LSD. Recently in 2015, a small (n=10) proof of concept study in patients with AUD evaluated the effects of psilocybin and found significant and persisting reductions in drinking days and heavy drinking days. While these preliminary results are certainly encouraging, a larger placebo-controlled study is needed to evaluate treatment efficacy of psilocybin for AUD.

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Neuronal dysfunction in treatment resistant obsessive compulsive disorder and effectiveness of novel serotonergic drug treatment

More than 40% of patients with obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) are resistant to treatment. Untreated OCD is highly disabling and costy for society, yet advancement in treatment options are almost on a standstill. Studies show that the functional connectivity between cortical and striatal brain regions are altered in patients with OCD, and that these changes can lead to compulsive behaviors. However, we do not fully understand the underlying neuronal dysfunctions. In this project, we use chemogenetics to selectively activate cortical inputs to the striatum, creating an animal model of OCD-like compulsive behavior. We will investigate how activation of these inputs alter functional connectivity and OCD-like compulsive behavior, and the effectiveness of a novel serotonergic drug treatment. This is a high-risk/high-gain project with great clinical translational value and potential to redefine our understanding and treatment of OCD, which will ultimately benefit patients.

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Reducing the need for general anesthesia in children undergoing neuroimaging by preparation and motion correction (MoCo)

It is standard procedure in Danish hospitals to employ general anesthesia when small children (< 8-10 years) are in need of medical imaging procedures, such as an MRI. The anesthesia reduces motion artefacts and is useful when dealing with anxious children. Although complications directly related to general anesthesia are rare, there is an increasing concern about the potential neurotoxic effects of general anesthesia. Additionally, there are logistic and financial challenges associated with the use of general anesthesia. In the MoCo project we want to test the clinical efficacy a new approach of imaging children, including preparation and training and introducing a novel marker-less motion tracking device “Tracoline” that can register children’s movements while scanning.

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