Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention

The norepinephrine-producing locus coeruleus (LC) is thought to be central to a wide array of cognitive functions, like attention and goal pursuit, and has been implicated in dysfunctions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. The goal of this proposal is to develop methods that permit measurement of activity in the human LC. Because the LC is small and located in the pons, the Investigators will use high resolution magnetic resonance imaging techniques tailored to the brainstem environment, including neuromelanin-sensitive images shown to delineate the LC, combined with pharmacological manipulation to confirm the location of functional activity.

NCT Number	NCT06041048
Lead Sponsor	University of California, Davis
Conditions	Attention - no Condition is Being Assessed - Healthy Adults
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2023-10-01
Primary Completion	2026-12-19 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12-19 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-18