Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention

This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain called the locus coeruleus (LC) works when you're paying attention. The LC is important for things like focus and goal-setting. Researchers will give healthy adults a single dose of Modafinil (a medication) or a placebo (an inactive substance) and then use special MRI scans to measure brain activity. The main goal is to develop better ways to measure LC activity in humans, which could help us understand conditions like ADHD and schizophrenia. The study is currently unclear on its status and plans to enroll 40 healthy adults between 18 and 60 years old.

Study design: This is an interventional study involving 40 healthy adult participants. Participants will receive either a single dose of Modafinil or a placebo.
What's involved: Participants will receive a single dose of medication or placebo. Brain activity will be measured using BOLD response at 1 hour.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Brain activity will be measured at 1 hour after the intervention.

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

Investigation of Locus Coeruleus Function in Sustained Attention

Recruiting

PHASE4Ages 18–60InterventionalBasic science

University of California, Davis

~40 participants

Updated 2026-06-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Modafinil

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Brain activity - BOLD response

Measured over 1 hour

Conditions

Attention - no Condition is Being Assessed - Healthy Adults

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

California1

Who to contact

Julie Schweitzer, PhD

[email protected]

9167030450

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Between the ages of 18 - 60 years of age,

Typically developing, healthy adult

Exclusion

History of schizophrenia, other forms of psychosis,

Specific or focal neurological disorder or severe alcohol or drug use disorder within the past 5 years

History of left ventricular hypertrophy or in patients with mitral valve prolapse who have experienced the mitral valve prolapse syndrome when previously receiving CNS stimulants, or who have had recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable angina.

Volunteers with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil or its inactive ingredients

Known allergy/sensitivity or any hypersensitivity to components of modafinil or its formulation

Inability to swallow tablets or tolerate oral medication;

Pregnant or nursing (participants will be required to have a negative pregnancy test)

Contraindication for MRI scanning (metal implants, pacemakers, metal foreign bodies, or pregnancy)

Use of psychotropic medication within the past week

Claustrophobic and not comfortable being in a small space may also not want to participate

What this trial measures

Brain activity - BOLD response1 hour

Trialytics