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Imaging Cannabinoid Receptors in the Brain

This observational study aims to understand how cannabinoid receptors (CB1R), which are present in everyone's brain, are distributed in different conditions. Researchers will use a PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography), a type of imaging, with a special tracer called [11-C]OMAR to visualize these receptors. You might be eligible if you are a male between 18 and 55 years old and have conditions such as schizophrenia, cannabis dependence, a family history of alcoholism, or are experiencing early signs of a psychotic illness. The study will measure the availability of these receptors in your brain at one point in time within four weeks of screening. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 100 male participants. It is not a treatment study, but rather aims to understand brain chemistry.
What's involved
If you participate, you will receive a PET scan with the radiotracer [11-C]OMAR. This scan will occur once within four weeks of screening.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Not specified.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT01730781

Imaging Cannabinoid Receptors Using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanning

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–55Observational
Yale University
~100 participants
Updated 2026-04-27 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:[11-C]OMAR

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
PET Imaging
Measured over One time within 4 weeks of screening

Conditions

Schizophrenia
Cannabis Dependence
Prodromal for Psychotic Illness
Family History of Alcoholism
Healthy Control
Opioid-use Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Explore related trials

Alcohol DependenceCannabis DependenceHealthy ControlOpioid Use DisorderPost-Traumatic Stress DisorderProdromal for Psychotic IllnessSchizophrenia

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Connecticut1

Study leadership

  • Deepak C D'Souza, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Yale University

Who to contact

Alex Selloni, BA
[email protected]
203-974-7489
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Males ages 18-55
For cannabis users:
Willing to abstain from cannabis use for four weeks
For schizophrenia:
Meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
For prodrome for psychotic illness:
Meets SIPS criteria for prodromal syndrome
For family history positive:
First degree relative with alcoholism
For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for PTSD
For OUD
Meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for Opioid Use Disorder

Exclusion

Current neuro-psychiatric illness (including cannabis dependence) or severe systemic disease. Cannabis use disorder is permitted in the cannabis dependent group. Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is permitted in the schizophrenia group. Psychotic symptoms are permitted in the prodromal group. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is permitted in the PTSD group and Opioid Use Disorder is permitted in the OUD group.
Presence of ferromagnetic metal in the body or heart pacemaker
Have had exposure to ionizing radiation that in combination with the study tracer would result in a cumulative exposure that exceeds recommended exposure limits
Are claustrophobic

What this trial measures

  • PET ImagingOne time within 4 weeks of screening

    This study will utilize the radioligand \[11C\]OMAR and High Resolution Research Tomography (HRRT) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to measure brain CB1 receptor availability in all study populations. Those in the cannabis dependent population of the study will have PET scanning on three occasions: once within four weeks of screening while smoking as usual, once 48-hours later after remaining abstinent, and once four weeks later after remaining abstinent. The change in receptor density at each time point will be evaluated. Those in the other populations will have PET scanning done on one occasion within four weeks of screening.